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Writer's pictureStephanie Orr-Buttrey

Honoring the Legacy of SOURCE Founding Member Pat Rolfe

Updated: May 28




Our SOURCE family is heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Pat Rolfe passed away early this morning May 24th, 2024. She was peacefully sleeping and has been surrounded by her family and friends over the past few days. 

 

Pat was a driving force and a role model for us all. Her career in the music industry began in 1966 with a call from Lamar Fike asking Pat to join him at Hill & Range. From then until 1972, she worked with luminaries such as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Eddie Rabbit, Bill Monroe, George Morgan, and many other legends. One of Pat’s career highlights during this time was working with Elvis Presley.

 

She became one of the first women to head a major publishing company when she was elevated to general manager in 1972. A fierce supporter of other women, she brought Celia Froehlig into the company, where they both stayed until Chappell Music purchased the Hill & Range companies in 1975. Pat continued on at Chappell Music and during her tenure, the company was named ASCAP Publisher of the Year seven times.

 

Pat rose to the position of vice president and held that post until 1987 when Warner Bros. Music purchased Chappell. That same year, the late Connie Bradley, longtime ASCAP Nashville head, offered Pat the position of director of membership relations. Pat remained with ASCAP, rising to the position of vice president, until 2010. During her time at ASCAP, Pat brought in writers such as Tony Mullins, Deryl Dodd, Trevor Rosen, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins, Michael Knox, Gerry House, Tim Ryan, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Wynonna.

 

Alongside Judy Harris and Sheila Shipley Biddy, Pat’s vision led to the creation of SOURCE in 1991, and we will always work to honor her legacy and follow her example. 

 

Rolfe will be remembered for her commitment to championing and mentoring multiple generations of women in the business. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Mack; her stepchildren, John (Vanessa), Jim (Mary K) and Dick (Michelle); seven grandchildren; 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 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Green Hills Community Church with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bonaparte’s Retreat Dog Rescue, the Green Hills Community Church or a charity of your choice.


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