Country music artist, Rob West, trades his golf clubs for a guitar

When you first meet Rob West, you are greeted by a humble, fun-loving Arizona boy who loves his family and is proud of his roots. And when he takes the stage, you meet a genuine country star.

A fifth-generation Arizona native, West launched his debut album – aptly titled Arizona – in the summer of 2019. Best described as mainstream country with an old school flair, the album features original music from West along with songs co-written with top recording artists Gary Allan, Ira Dean and award-winning songwriter Chris Wallin.

From rocking party tunes to emotion-fueled ballads, West’s music is an honest reflection of the trials and tribulations called life. His album is full of songs that tap into the good times, and several of the tragic ones, that have shaped the man he is today.

“I know there are a lot of folks out there who are going through some of the same types of experiences I’ve had, and I want to tell their story…and mine,” said West. “Music isn’t just what I do for a living, it’s who I am.”

While music has always been a part of his life, West began playing guitar at age six, he didn’t start off chasing the Nashville stage. West spent 20 years working as a golf professional – including a stint on the Golf Channel’s reality show Big Break Mexico – before realizing that he couldn’t deny his passion for country music.

“It was a tough transition going from being known for The Big Break and golf to becoming a musician and getting people to take me seriously for my music,” said West. “Now, most people don’t even know I play golf.”

During the past seven years, West has traveled the country playing both acoustic solo sets and with his band for crowds as large as 25,000 people. One of his most meaningful shows was playing at the dedication of the Veteran Memorial Museum in Ohio. Raised in a family of veterans and patriots, West is passionate about supporting the men and women who serve our country and is an ambassador for the Folds of Honor Foundation and The Veteran Golfers Association. His song, Drink ‘Em Quiet,  is an ode to a good friend who lost his battle with PTSD. A testament to the power of country music, the tone of this song can be tearful or angry as he sings for those facing this silent, lonely struggle.

On a whole, West’s music is influenced by the likes of Gary Allan, Eric Church and Brothers Osbourne and features a personal style that reflects his southwest upbringing. The album, produced by Jim “Moose” Brown and Ira Dean, is available on robwestmusic.com and digital music outlets such as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Google Music.