The East Village has long been a place of artistic and musical genius. No one knows this better than Rob Colinear, better known by his “stage name” Bobby Pinn. Why the name? Ultimately, it’s a very Rock ‘n’ Roll thing to do. It is also a way of paying his respects to Richard Hall who was the first to make safety pinned t-shirts stylish.

Pinn has always in some way been involved with the music industry. A native of Pittsburgh, Pinn got his start by working at local radio stations, but decided to leave when the earnings and creativity weren’t quite up to par with his expectations.

Driven by a love for the city and an admiration for the people made famous on its streets, Pinn took to New York City in 1990. He scored a job at Tower Records in the Lincoln Center making less than rent required, but that didn’t damper his Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit. After lots of hard work and networking, Pinn became a sales representative for Caroline records.

While there is a battery of bands Pinn admires, the one that earned the title of favorite is The Rolling Stones.

“They were just all over the place,” Pinn said. “They loved the blues, but also had some punk and, more recently, country songs.”

Their way of life and timeless songs have always amazed him and earned his respect. Other heroes of Pinn include Arthur Guinness and Andy Warhol; anyone who has shown themselves to be truly creative and innovative, Pinn said.

An innovator himself, Pinn runs Rock and Roll walking tours of the East Village, were Punk Rock and Glam were born and perfected. The Rock Junket tours (http://www.rockjunket.com/) started in 2001 as a hobby, Pinn said, just to get out of the apartment on Saturdays. However, they soon attracted the attention of music television and publications worldwide including MTV, VH1, The New York Times and even various European publications. The success of his tours drove Pinn to turn the hobby into a full time operation.

“The music business wasn’t as good as it used to be,” Pinn said. “I was sick of seeing bands getting ripped off.”

Ultimately, Pinn decided he didn’t want to work for anyone and became his own boss; all the while educating those interested in the city’s musical past.

“New York City doesn’t recognize enough Pop culture,” Pinn said. “It really is a shame.”

Many places where musical history was made, like CBGB, have been closed and replaced, Pinn said. It’s places like CBGB that should’ve been granted landmark status, but instead have faded into New York nostalgia.

“One of the greatest moments in pop history happened when 73 million people watched The Beatles play the Ed Sullivan show,” said Pinn. “During their performance it was reported that not one crime was committed in the U.S. and the building [Ed Sullivan building] doesn’t even have a commemorative plaque.”

In an effort to commemorate New York City’s musical greatness and share his knowledge, Pinn wrote a book that is due to be released in November titled “Rock Junket: New York City”.

While it is clear that the music industry has its up’s and down’s, there is always a memorable moment to be had. For Pinn it was organizing The Ramones last in-store event for their box set, “We’re Outta Here!” Not only did he get to meet the band, but they also presented him with an autographed poster of their movie “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.”

Pinn has always found a way to surround himself with what he loves most: music. And the secret to his success, he said, is what any person striving to make it in the music business needs: passion.

“If you really love it, you’ll find success,” Pinn said. “Money will come down the road, but you have to love it.”