Robert was the visionary creator of Airplay Direct, a company he founded in 2005, which went on to become a global leader in digital distribution of broadcast quality music to radio stations worldwide. He was honored by Music Connection Magazine as one of their “Top 50 Innovators, Iconoclasts, Groundbreakers & Guiding Lights” of 2008. He received a Grammy award for his work on Songs From The Neighborhood - The Music Of Mister Rogers. Robert was also the Executive Director of AirPlay Specialists, a consulting firm he founded to help independent artists and a featured speaker and panelist at many industry conferences.
Robert spent his earliest years right out of high school as a Navy Diver on the USS Tinosa SSN 606 Nuclear Submarine. This experience left him uniquely prepared as he dove into the music industry. Robert Weingartz was happiest when he was surrounded by musicians on stage or in the studio. During the 1980’s, he started his music industry career as co-manager of a Sunset Strip based hard rock band. He later became involved in the Americana genre when he managed Clay DuBose, the singer from that band. Together they recorded and released two back to back Americana records that achieved success at radio. The challenge of getting music to radio stations during this period became the inspiration and impetus for his subsequent creation of AirPlay Direct.
Robert was also a songwriter, having co-written some songs on the 2nd Americana release, and some additional compositions with other Nashville writers. He had just completed a new trio of Christian compositions with Clay, his former Americana partner, and was excited about recording his love letters to God. Robert approached his life and music with fierce passion. He loved the artists he encountered and worked with throughout his career. He had a special ear for music and approached each project with personal affection and uncompromising intensity. Songs were the lights that lined his path throughout his life.
Robert his survived by his wife Lynda; children, Zachariah, Quinn and Alexandra; granddaughters, Foster and Livesay Lee; former spouse, Anne; mother, Connie; siblings, Vickie and George; best friend, Clay DuBose; Goddaughter, Teresa.
Robert Weingartz will be truly missed. His business and artistic legacy will live on, as well as the indelible memories he left in the minds of those he encountered in his colorful life.
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