Bob Beckham

Mt. Juliet, TN

Music publisher Robert Joseph "Bob" Beckham, died Monday, November 11, 2013 at Summit Hospital in Hermitage, TN. He was 86.

Music was his life and songwriters his best friends, from his early years as a child star in the movies through a very successful recording career, which he walked away from to be closer to his family. Music dominated everything he did. As a music publisher he nurtured many great songwriters. At Lowery Music, they included Ray Stevens, Jerry Reed, and Joe South, among others…at Raleigh Music, he introduced the world to Ben Peters, and finally at Combine Music, a struggling company when he joined it. He turned it into one of the most important factors in Nashville's becoming Music City. Where would it be without the songs of Kris Kristofferson, Dennis Linde, Larry Gatlin, Dolly Parton, Bob Morrison, Johnny McCrae, Debbie Mupp, Billy Swan, John Scott Sherril, Bob DePiero, Chris Gantry, Alan Rush, Martha Sharp, Time Kreckel, Lee Clayton, Mark Germino, Johnny Wilson, Gene Dobbins, Don Devaney, Bobby Russell, Buzz Cason, Mickey Clark, Steve Clark, Wanda Mallette, Patti Ryan, Tony Joe White, Mel McDaniel, Arthur Alexander, Steve Earle, and Mary Mary Francis.

After Combine was sold, Beckham was asked by HoriPro, an international company, to establish a presence in Nashville. HoriPro became a successful presence almost immediately.

No matter where Beckham was, one of the secrets to his success was his open mindedness and a great ear when it came to new writers. No one was ever told that new songs were not being accepted. Beckham was low profile, but a great song man, and he created an incredible atmosphere for the writers. The doors were always open. His personal office door was never closed. His friends included the movers and shakers who frequently sought him out. His contributions were always in the background, as he never sought the spotlight. He'd had enough of that in the movies and on the stage. Other than music, his deepest conversations were always about his family. They were the core and the reason for everything he did. He was first, last, and always, a family man.

He is survived by wife of 66 years, Shirley Beckham; children: Pamela Beckham Linde, Debbie (James) Beckham Hall, Mike (Cindy Beckham) Devault, and Gay (Steve) Beckham Stought; sisters: Lorraine Clark and Karen Stuart; grandchildren: Lisa, Will and Katie Linde, Megan Bare and Justin Hall, Jesse and Tyler Lawson, and Riley and Eli Stought; and great-grandchildren: Jack and Mary Marsden, Bella and Beckham Bare, Wren, Wiley, and Maizie Linde, and Lindie Brown. Special thanks to our brother, John Dorris, for loving our daddy.

He is preceded in death by parents, Lovenia Shaw and Bill Beckham, and son-in-law, Dennis Linde.

The family will be receiving friends at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 followed by the graveside service. Graveside Services are 3 p.m., at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens. Memorial Donations: Alive Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean on Nov. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Beckham

18 Entries

Tommy Nelson

November 11, 2022

Remembering you today my friend, you were the best of the best. Rest in peace Okie.

DON WAYNE PATTERSON

November 6, 2019

6 YEARS LATER AND WILL NEVER FORGET ONE OF MY FAVORITE SINGE OF THE EARLY 1960'S..JUST AS MUCH AS EVER SADLY MISSED.

Robert Cook

July 5, 2018

While I Never Met Bob Beckham Personally, I Did Know His Wife Shirley Joe, and Daughter Cindy. I One Met Mickey Newberry in Bob's Home. Kris Kristofferson and Bob ( His Manager ) Were Both Married To Native - American Girls, Bob to Shirley Jo, and Kris To Rita Coolidge.

DON WAYNE PATTERSON

December 2, 2013

Just went on Google to find list of songs Bob sang on Decca records and saw the saddest news. I met Bob Beckham in 1961 in Montreal , Canada when he toured on a rock n roll show with Brenda Lee , Fabian , Chubby Checker , Duane Eddy , Gary Miles , Bobby Vinton Band. I was just 19 yrs old , a budding radio announcer and Bob treated me like a very important personality in the interview we did. Many years later along with Merle Kilgore , we met up at his favorite Italian restaurant in Nashville at lunch time. I asked if I could come to his office to get his signature on an old album cover that I had worn out playing so often. He agreed and then wrote "to one of my best fans - thanks." I will never foget Bob and my sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.His spirit remains " JUST AS MUCH AS EVER".

George Molton

November 14, 2013

There will never be another like him! Bob gave me my break in songwriting and quickly became my biggest supporter. I don't think anyone could have believed in me more! I am proud that I was able to call this great man a friend! He will be truly missed!~

Tommy Nelson

November 13, 2013

I remember the time Bob flew back to Okla.City to pay tribute to our good pal,Gene Sullivan.Bob never forgot his friends.God Bless Bob and his family.

November 13, 2013

What a great man Bob Beckham was. I have countless memories of Bob that will stay with me forever. If I started to tell them it would be an endless book. So just let me say thank you Bob, for all the memories, all the help you provided me, and for making me feel that I belonged to this Nashville Music Community.

Larry Rogers

Billy Yates

November 13, 2013

God Bless Bob Beckham! One of the best things that ever happened to me was having the chance to work with and learn from Bob. He took a chance on a kid that had nothing more than a passion for music and a small dose of talent. He taught me how to maximize that talent. He gave me my first break and created more opportunities for me than anyone else in Nashville. He helped teach me to write songs and he was always my "go to" when there were big decisions to be made. He was smart and compassionate...a true songwriter's friend. I love him and will miss him.

Derek Crownover

November 12, 2013

Bob was my landlord at one time and I can still remember fondly him saying "Son, how's it going today?" He was always a gentleman. I appreciated him letting me into the HoriPro family with Ronnie, Noel, the boys, and the girls. Many many condolences to the family and close friends. He left some marks on this town. RIP buddy.

November 12, 2013

Mr. B was one of my favorite people. I worked with him for about 20 years and will cherish his friendship always. Jenell Casson

Margye Reeves Solomon

November 12, 2013

As family friends of my mother, Margarita Scatori Wilson, I loved spending time with Bob and Shirley Jo. We are saddened by Bob's passing and send our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Margye Reeves Solomon & Norman Solomon

Shara Johnson - Zimmerman

November 12, 2013

My first mentor and publisher. I will always remember you dearly Bob. God bless your family....

Doug DeJoe

November 12, 2013

Mr. Beckham gave me my first writing deal and, shortly after, the down paytment for my first home. Without him, Nashville would have been a lot different for me and my family. Thank-you, Mr. B, for caring about a young writer. I am eternally grateful.

Tom Comet

November 12, 2013

What a remarkable man Mr. Beckham was. His ear for artistry and originality was one of the very best. I feel fortunate to have known him, and to have worked with some of his finest writers. I doubt there will ever be a place like Combine again. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Kathy Mattea

November 12, 2013

I read with great sadness this morning about Bob's passing. He was a mentor to me, and an advisor, when I was a young aspiring singer in Nashville. Combine Music welcomed me like one of their own, and I have a lot of fond memories of sessions down in the Rat Hole. He was a good man, and helped so many of us. Much love to the whole family....

Kathy

Debbie Zavitson

November 12, 2013

Mr. Beckham is and always will be someone held in the highest esteem. Probably the best publisher music has ever known. I feel blessed to have known him and ask God to hold his family and friends close.

Debbie Hupp

November 12, 2013

Sincere condolences to the entire Beckham universe of family and dear friends; and to the industry that lives on in part because of him.

Jerry Crutchfield

November 12, 2013

My very meaningful relationship with Bob Beckham began with a casual meeting in 1960. He was a handsome young man with a hit record who was looking for new songs to record. That relationship of respect and fondness continued throughout his tremendous career and until his recent passing. A unique and special person, he will be missed and remembered by all.

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