Remembering Rob Pattee’s Legacy
Surrey’s Rob Pattee, a beloved music agent and talent manager who spent over four decades shaping Canada’s entertainment landscape, has been inducted posthumously into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Pattee, who passed away in September 2024 at age 69 after a battle with liver cancer, is one of six Standing Ovations inductees for 2025. The honour recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to British Columbia’s performing arts.
Joining him in the 2025 class are Ross Barrett (music), Danny Filippone (producer), Jay Hamburger (theatre), Graham Lee (producer) and Sally Yeh (music).
Known for his sharp ear and nurturing spirit, Robert Frank Pattee ran RPM Music Services, working as an artist manager, agent, talent buyer and music educator.
His career began in the late 1970s in Jasper, Alberta, where his search for original bands to play at his bar launched him into the live entertainment world. Later, he joined Sam Feldman’s agency in Vancouver in 1992 — a period when the city was alive with musical energy post–Expo 86.
Over the years, Pattee played a pivotal role in discovering and developing artists including Nickelback and Daniel Powter, helping guide their early success.
“Even within an unpredictable music industry, Rob was considered something of a certified star-maker with golden ears and a Midas touch,” reads his official bio.
Before his passing, Pattee chose to celebrate life on his own terms. In March 2024, a “Celebration of Love” concert was held at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, featuring artists he had worked with — among them Washboard Union, Wide Mouth Mason, Hot Hot Heat, Crystal Shawanda, and Karen Lee Batten.
“I didn’t want people waiting until I was gone,” he told the Now-Leader before the event. “Screw that — let’s have a party. If there’s 200 or 300 people there, I’ll be happy with that.”
The BC Entertainment Hall of Fame announced its 2025 inductees on October 7, noting that the ceremonies for each will be announced later this year.
Pattee’s induction comes alongside StarWalk honourees Will Sasso, Tom Lavin, and Harbour Dance Centre founders Pamela Quick Rosa and Danielle Clifford, whose names will be enshrined on Granville Street in Vancouver.
“The 2025 class joins more than 300 artists who’ve defined British Columbia’s entertainment culture,” the Hall said.
