Robert T. “Rockin Rob” Bruns, a music promoter who was known for organizing dance parties throughout Baltimore, died March 15 of a heart attack at his Towson home. He was 74.
“The dance parties and events he hosted brought joy and fond memories to thousands of Baltimoreans, many of whom are seniors,” wrote his brother, Michael Bruns, of Roland Park, in a profile of Mr. Bruns.
“His music and talents were unique and he was loved by many, and most of his events and dance parties were sellouts,” he wrote.
Robert Thomas Bruns, son of William F. Bruns, a bartender, and Margaret Bruns, a homemaker, was born in Baltimore and raised in Govans.
After graduating from Archbishop Curley High School, he attended the University of Baltimore.
After leaving college, he went to work as a supervisor at the old American Smelting & Refining Co. plant in Canton, and after the company left Maryland, he became a salesman for the Brake Service Co. in Hampden.
He eventually became the owner of the business which he operated until 1985 when he closed it.
He then established an auto repair business in Waverly for a number of years. At his death, he was working as a driver and deliveryman for Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouse in Towson.
But it was music — especially popular music of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s — that came to define his life.
“In 1964-1965, Rob was inspired by the British invasion and with three other neighborhood friends, founded a basement band called The Prestons,” wrote Tom Blaney, a Waverly friend since 1958, in an email.
“Rob was a deejay for more than 50 years and was an avid collector of oldies, rock records and videos, as well as Baltimore memorabilia,” his brother said.
In his early deejay years during the 1970s, he performed weekly at the Tijuana Jail, Peter’s Pub in downtown Baltimore and Bowman’s Restaurant in Parkville.
He brought music, along with his dexterous vocal skills, to high school reunions, sporting events and the annual Catholic League Tournament at Goucher College.
“Wherever Rob deejayed, large crowds would follow, and he enjoyed nothing more than the happiness and smiles of his friends and guests,” his brother said.
“Rob brought groups of people together from all over the area who enjoyed the opportunity to see great musical performances, hit the dance floor, and relive childhood memories.”
“Since 2007, the Towson resident has been holding events at Towson’s American Legion Hall featuring classic acts such as Tommy Vann and The Echoes,” The Baltimore Sun wrote in 2014.
“I know music has always had a healing effect for me, and I’m sure it does for others as well,” he told The Sun.
Mr. Bruns donated a portion of the proceeds from the dances to charities, including Toys for Tots and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
He also contributed to scholarship funds at Notre Dame Preparatory School, The Catholic High School of Baltimore and the old Institute of Notre Dame.
Mr. Bruns was the host of the “Saturday Night Dance Party” that aired on Q1370 AM and featured music he loved, trivia and giveaways.
Mr. Bruns died eight days before hosting his last dance party, “The Bunny Hop,” that was to be held March 23 at the Towson American Legion Hall.
Last October, Mr. Bruns was inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame.
In addition to music, Mr. Bruns was an athlete who began playing lacrosse during his student years at Archbishop Curley.
He later coached young people for Kelly Post Lacrosse, a recreational league, and led them to numerous championships, “with many young men who later played and starred for college programs,” his brother said.
Mr. Bruns was a lacrosse referee until bad knees forced him into retirement and an avid Orioles fan.
Mr. Bruns willed his body to the Maryland Anatomy Board and plans for a celebration of life gathering are incomplete.
In addition to his brother, Mr. Bruns is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jessica DeFontes, an insurance analyst; two sons, Jason Bruns, of Rodgers Forge, and Matthew Bruns, of Brazil; two stepdaughters, Rebecca Jones, of Towson, and Lisa Butz, of Pinehurst; a stepson, Ryan DeFontes, of Westminster; a sister, Elizabeth Lee, of Perry Hall; and six grandchildren. An earlier marriage to Lynn Bradley ended in divorce.
