For Bob Bailey, music isn’t just a passion—it’s the ultimate connector, the thread that weaves people together, helps us understand one another, and inspires joy and healing. As the Fundraising Chair on the SMASH board, Bob has dedicated himself to ensuring that Seattle’s musicians have the resources they need to thrive. But his journey to this role is as fascinating as it is deeply rooted in his love for music. We recently caught up with Bob to learn a bit more about where his love of music comes from, why he volunteers his time to support the music community and more.
Bob’s earliest memories are filled with music—singing and dancing with his parents to the sounds of 60s, 70s, and 80s soul and R&B from Dayton, Detroit, and Memphis. By age five, he was singing solos in church, and his love for music grew as he performed and competed in choirs throughout middle and high school. He went on to study vocal performance and music theory at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, setting the stage for what he thought might be a life in music.
Though his career path eventually led him to the fashion retail world, where he’s spent 25+ years in strategic and operational roles with Nordstrom, Bob never lost his love for music—or his belief in its transformative power. “Music has always been a part of who I am,” he says. “It helps us see each other and ourselves more clearly. It’s medicine for the soul.”
Music as a Mission
Bob’s decision to join the SMASH board wasn’t just about giving back—it was about addressing a deep regret. “Lacking the courage to follow my passion for music is my greatest regret,” he admits. Now, he’s committed to leveraging his life experiences to make a life in music more viable for others. Whether hosting intimate living room concerts for local and national acts or providing recording opportunities to emerging artists, Bob has found countless ways to connect with and support the music community.
Supporting Artists Through Action
Bob’s role as SMASH’s fundraising chair aligns perfectly with his belief that music is a universal language deserving universal support. “We ask so much of musicians—long hours, heavy lifting, emotional labor—all for very little pay or, worse, just for exposure,” he explains. Through SMASH, Bob helps ensure that musicians in Seattle have access to affordable healthcare, something he sees as foundational for their ability to create and thrive.
A Musical Lover & Advocate
Ask Bob about his favorite local bands, and his excitement is palpable. “I couldn’t possibly pick just one,” he says, rattling off names like Sol, Stas Thee Boss, Alec Shaw, and Smokey Brights. He’s passionate about small venues, emerging artists, and the sense of community from experiencing live music. “These are tomorrow’s legends,” he says. “It’s our responsibility to support them today.”
For Bob, music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s a way of life. Whether building microphones and preamps in his recording studio, Mind Sketch Recorders, cycling through his favorite gospel mix, or recharging with Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder tracks, music is his go-to for finding balance and inspiration.
“Music gave me so much growing up,” he reflects. “Now, I get to give back to the people who create the soundtrack of our lives. That’s what makes this work with SMASH so meaningful.”
Bob Bailey’s story is one of soulful connections and strategic action. Whether in the boardroom, the studio, or the living room, he’s using his skills, resources, and passion to ensure that Seattle’s musicians can live healthy, sustainable lives—and keep making the music that inspires us all.
Together, We Can Build a Healthier Future for Music
Seattle’s musicians give so much to our community—now it’s our turn to give back. Your donation to SMASH provides local artists access to affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and vital support services, helping them thrive both on and off the stage. Together, we can ensure the music never stops.
When you make a tax-deductible gift to SMASH, you directly impact our capacity to serve current members, expand programs and services, and support even more musicians in our area.
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