Rob Winch

Rob Winch could make a guitar sing in every shade and hue. Born in England, the multi-instrumentalist and singer moved to New Zealand as a child. He went on to amass 23 awards for his jingles and advertising work (including for the beloved song 'Cruisin' on the Interislander', performed by The Warratahs). Winch's other compositions for the screen ranged from ski films (Turn of the Century) to theme tunes (Parliament TV, a decade of Mitre 10 Dream Home). He also did the occasional drama, including the moody, guitar-heavy soundtrack to telemovie Mark II. Winch died on 8 August 2012, six days shy of his 60th birthday. 

...he began to develop and expand his skills to encompass work as a vocalist on numerous recording and television sessions and added the art of percussion to his repertoire. All this led him quite naturally into the business of jingle writing, and he quickly became the 'go to' guy for advertising agencies needing a campaign. That launched his career as the music creator of countless recording studio, television and film production company projects around the country and abroad. Roger Watkins pays tribute to Rob Winch, on website Capital Blues, 19 September 2012