Linda Patterson “Pat” Rolfe, 77, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 27, 1946, in Waverly, TN, Pat was the daughter of Marie and George Patterson. She graduated from Waverly Central High School in 1964 and soon after moved to Nashville where she would have an illustrious career in the music industry.
Pat’s career in the industry began in 1966 when Lamar Fike of Hill & Range Songs invited her to join the company. Over the next few years, she worked with legends such as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Eddie Rabbitt, Bill Monroe, and George Morgan. A highlight of her early career was her work with Elvis Presley.
In 1972, Pat became General Manager of Hill & Range Songs, making history as one of the first women to head a major publishing company.
After the company’s acquisition by Chappell Music in 1973, she continued to excel, helping the company earn ASCAP Publisher of the Year seven times. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in the success of writers like Rory Bourke, Charlie Black, and many others. Pat eventually rose to the position of Vice President at Chappell Music and continued her influential work until 1987.
That year, Pat transitioned to ASCAP, where she served as Director of Membership Relations before being promoted to Vice President, a role she held until her retirement in 2010.
She was pivotal in nurturing the careers of many successful artists and songwriters, including Tony Mullins, Trevor Rosen, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Craig Wiseman, Chris Tompkins, Tim Ryan, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, and Wynonna. Beyond her professional achievements, Pat co-founded the SOURCE Nashville organization and the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament. She also served on the boards of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Nashville Music Association, Baptist Hospital, and the Copyright Society of the South.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the industry, Pat was inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame in 2012. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Mack; her stepchildren, John (Vanessa), Jim (Mary K), and Dick (Michelle); seven grandchildren; and brothers, Jim, Mike, Joe, and Charlie Patterson, and sister, Margaret Simmons. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and George Patterson, and her brother Jerry Patterson, and sister-in-law Ann Patterson.
A visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 9:30 until 11:00 at Green Hills Community Church with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am with the Rev. Charles Moore officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bonaparte’s Retreat Dog Rescue, 3310 West End Ave. Suite 400, Nashville, TN, or Green Hills Community Church, or a charity of your choice.
Pat Rolfe’s legacy will live on through her immense contributions to the music industry and the many lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
