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  • Musicians Today

    Musicians Today

    Rob Georg poses in a cowboy hat and leather jacket, reflecting his rugged, heartfelt music style.

    Rob Georg’s ‘Climb This Mountain’ Wins the 2026 Parkinsong Contest:
    A Story of Legacy and Triumph

    December 24, 2025 7 Mins Read

    In a touching moment of connection, Rob Georg’s winning song at the Parkinsong contest carries a deeply personal message about resilience and legacy.

    When Rob Georg received an unexpected email notifying him that his song “Climb This Mountain” had won the 2026 Parkinsong contest, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. This wasn’t just any victory,  it was a moment that intertwined his personal story with a global movement. The song, written for his father during his battle with Parkinson’s disease, had been entered into the contest without his knowledge. And yet, it was his father’s spirit and legacy that ultimately propelled the song to triumph.

    The Parkinsong contest, organized by Gerald Ganglbauer, seeks to amplify voices through music, offering a platform for artists whose works explore the Parkinson’s experience. Since its inception in 2019, Parkinsong has become a beacon for artists and individuals to share their stories through the power of song. This year, entries flooded in from across the globe, with 18 songs selected for the final shortlist from countries such as Australia, Austria, and Belgium. The contest was especially close to the heart of Parkinsong’s CEO, Gerald Ganglbauer, who remarked that the contest was a natural progression for the organization, built upon his previous experience with duets, awards, and grants.

    The rules of the contest were simple: votes were cast through likes on YouTube videos of the submissions. In a testament to the emotional power of “Climb This Mountain,” the song quickly captured the hearts of voters, garnering enough support to claim the top spot. Now, Rob Georg’s song will be featured in a professionally produced album and performed live at the 2026 World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Recent Award Recognition

    In addition to his Parkinsong contest victory, Rob Georg has recently been honored as the “Best Singer-Songwriter for Parkinson’s Awareness in the United States of 2025”. This prestigious recognition was announced on BestofBestReview.com, a leading authority in the music industry. The award underscores Georg’s significant contributions to raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease through his music, and it serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause. You can read more about this award and his recognition on BestofBestReview.com.

    A Song Born from Love and Loss

    “Climb This Mountain” was more than just a song for Rob Georg,  it was a love letter to his father, a man who had fought a valiant battle against Parkinson’s disease. Georg explained that he wrote the song together with his producer Kristin K. Smith during one of his father’s hardest moments, pouring his heart into each lyric and note. The song speaks of strength, resilience, and the power of love in the face of adversity. For Georg, the song was a way to cope with the emotional toll of watching his father battle the disease, and it became a piece of his soul captured in music.

    What makes this victory even more remarkable is that Georg had never submitted the song to the contest. In a twist of fate, someone,  perhaps a fellow patient, a caregiver, or even his father’s spirit,  had entered the song on his behalf. Georg’s reaction was a mix of disbelief and awe. “Maybe a patient who’s fighting that same battle? Maybe a caregiver who recognized the truth in that song? Maybe a Dad who still moves mountains in ways I’ll never fully understand?” he mused. Whoever had submitted the song, it was clear that “Climb This Mountain” had struck a chord with a wide audience, resonating deeply with those who have experienced the challenges of Parkinson’s firsthand.

    A Celebration of Resilience and Unity

    The Parkinsong contest is not just a competition; it is a celebration of resilience, a platform for those whose lives have been touched by Parkinson’s disease to share their stories and connect. The contest’s ability to bring together a global community of artists, patients, caregivers, and advocates is a testament to the power of music to heal and unite. Georg’s victory is emblematic of this spirit of collaboration, and it shines a spotlight on the strength of the Parkinson’s community, which continues to fight together with unwavering determination.

    Ganglbauer, the CEO of Parkinsong, spoke fondly of the contest and the exceptional quality of submissions. He mentioned that his personal favorite was the animation video of another entry by René van Helsdingen, calling it “the highest quality and creativity.” He went on to describe “Climb This Mountain” as a “catchy, feel-good tune” reminiscent of “The Sound of Music.” He praised Rob Georg for his gentle voice and likable personality, calling him someone they would “want as our son.” For Ganglbauer, this contest was not just about music; it was about honoring the stories of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

    The Power of Music to Tell a Story

    For Georg, the victory means more than just recognition; it is a way to carry his father’s legacy forward. Each listen, each vote, and each person touched by the song is a tribute to his father’s fight. “With every listen, every vote, every heart touched… it all carries my Dad’s legacy and his story forward,” Georg reflected. It’s a message of love and remembrance, a testament to the unbreakable bond between father and son.

    This is the miracle of art,  it takes the pain and love of one person’s life and transforms it into something that can resonate with others. “Climb This Mountain” is more than just a song; it is an anthem for anyone who has faced hardship, who has lost a loved one, or who is battling their own struggles. Its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics offer hope and comfort, reminding listeners that no mountain is too steep to climb, no journey too difficult to endure.

    A Momentous Year for Rob Georg

    Rob Georg performs passionately with his guitar at a live concert, connecting through his music.

    As Rob Georg prepares for his performance at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, he reflects on the extraordinary journey that brought him to this point. Winning the Parkinsong contest is a dream come true, but it is also a call to action for Georg. “This is a moment wrapped in something bigger than us,” he says. It is a moment that will carry him forward as he continues to share his music with the world and support the Parkinson’s community.

    For Georg, this contest win is just the beginning. He plans to continue his mission to create music that inspires, uplifts, and connects. His platform, which boasts over 1.3 million followers on Facebook, will undoubtedly help spread the message of hope that “Climb This Mountain” embodies. With a bunch of professionally produced songs  on the horizon and a show at the World Parkinson Congress, Georg is ready to take this journey to new heights, sharing his story and his music with even more people around the globe.

    Join Rob Georg in Celebrating Resilience and Legacy

    Rob Georg’s victory in the Parkinsong contest is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. “Climb This Mountain” is not just a song,  it’s a movement, a celebration of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us all. As Rob takes the stage at the World Parkinson Congress in 2026, he invites you to join him in this celebration of life and music. Stay connected, share the song, and be part of a community that stands together in the face of adversity.

    To learn more about Rob Georg and his music, visit his official website. To follow his journey and stay up-to-date on future performances, connect with him on Facebook at Rob Georg Music.

    Resources:

  • Arizona News Today

    Arizona News Today

    Parkinsong Announces Rob Georg and Kristin K Smith as Winners of 2026 Contest

    Arizona News Today logo

    Dec 24, 2025

    Rob Georg and Kristin K Smith’s song „Climb This Mountain“ wins the 2026 Parkinsong Contest, with a release at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix.

    United States, December 24, 2025 — Parkinsong 2026: A Milestone for Music and Parkinson’s Awareness

    In a heartwarming announcement, the Parkinsong 2026 competition has crowned Rob Georg and Kristin K Smith’s “Climb This Mountain” as its winning song. This global contest, launched by the Parkinsong non-profit organization, attracted a wealth of entries from artists around the world, all vying to contribute to the growing movement of Parkinson’s awareness through music. The winning entry, “Climb This Mountain,” not only reflects the personal journey of the artist, Rob Georg, but also carries an emotional message of hope and perseverance for those battling Parkinson’s disease.

    The Path to the Parkinsong Victory

    The Parkinsong Contest, which was launched in 2025 by Gerald Ganglbauer, member of the World Parkinson Disease Coalition (WPC), drew entries from various countries, including Australia, Austria, and Belgium. The competition’s format was innovative in that it used YouTube voting to determine the winners, with votes cast through “likes” on each song’s music video. Rob Georg’s “Climb This Mountain” captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, standing out among the 18 finalists selected from hundreds of entries.

    A Song of Personal Significance

    “Climb This Mountain” is not just a catchy tune; it is a deeply personal work for Georg. Written for his father during his hardest battle with Parkinson’s disease, the song is an emotional tribute to the strength and resilience of those facing the disease. Georg, who has often used his music as a way to process life’s challenges, shared a deeply personal experience in the following statement:

    „The song was written during a time when I felt that my dad was fighting a battle beyond what words could express. Winning this competition feels like his legacy is continuing, and that means the world to me. It’s one of those moments where you feel connected to something larger than yourself, a part of the universe’s plan.”

    The Role of Music in Parkinson’s Awareness

    Music has long been recognized as a therapeutic tool, and the Parkinsong Contest highlights its power to unite, inspire, and heal. Gerald Ganglbauer, CEO of Parkinsong, shared his excitement about the competition’s success, saying, “I had done duets, awards, and blues, but the time felt right to try something new. The entries in this contest have demonstrated the incredible creativity and passion that exists in the Parkinson’s community. ‘Climb This Mountain’ is a perfect example of how music can transcend barriers and inspire hope.”

    A Global Audience Joins in the Celebration

    Votes for the Parkinsong Contest were cast via YouTube, where each song’s video was met with positive feedback and engagement from global audiences. The winning entries will be included in a professionally produced album, scheduled for release in 2026. Furthermore, the successful artists will perform live at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2026, where they will join other prominent figures in the Parkinson’s advocacy space.

    Gerald Ganglbauer on the Significance of the Contest

    Ganglbauer reflected on the success of the contest and the power of the Parkinson’s community in shaping its outcome. “Make yourself comfortable in front of your big screen TV and watch the playlist,” Ganglbauer remarked. “What you will see is of the highest quality and creativity. ‘Climb This Mountain’ resonates deeply with me, not only for its emotional depth but also for its musical quality. Rob has a gentle voice that reminds me of some of the great musical traditions, and this song is a perfect fit for the Parkinsong mission.”

    The contest also featured an animated video by René van Helsdingen, which was among Ganglbauer’s personal favorites for its creative interpretation of the song.

    A Moment That Defies Explanation

    Rob Georg shared the story of how “Climb This Mountain” came to be submitted to the Parkinsong contest. Remarkably, he had never personally submitted the song to the competition. In an emotional reflection on his Facebook page, Georg wrote:

    „I wasn’t ready for what the universe dropped on me this week, giving me goosebumps writing this… here’s the crazy, fantastic, weird story of me feeling my Dad tremendously close this week! The kind of close that makes you stop in the cold morning air and just breathe him in, the kind of close you feel when a horse lifts its head and looks past you, like it sees someone you can’t. And then, out of nowhere, this email arrives… telling me ‘Climb This Mountain’ won the global Parkinsong competition.”

    Georg went on to express his gratitude for the support and love the song has received from listeners around the world, adding, “Every listen, every vote, every heart touched… it all carries my dad’s legacy forward.”

    The World Parkinson Congress

    The World Parkinson Congress 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, promises to be a monumental event for the Parkinson’s community, where leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, and those living with Parkinson’s disease will gather. The Parkinsong performances will add an emotional and creative element to the congress, with “Climb This Mountain” taking center stage as one of the standout performances of the event.

    Award Recognition: Best Singer-Songwriter for Parkinson’s Awareness in the United States of 2025

    In addition to winning the Parkinsong 2026 contest, Rob Georg has been recognized as the Best Singer-Songwriter for Parkinson’s Awareness in the United States of 2025. This prestigious recognition, announced by BestofBestReview.com, acknowledges Rob’s impactful contributions to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease through music. Georg’s heartfelt songs, including “Climb This Mountain,” have resonated deeply with the Parkinson’s community, showcasing his dedication to the cause. The award highlights his ongoing commitment to supporting and inspiring those affected by Parkinson’s, further cementing his place as a leading advocate for the cause. You can read more about the award here: Best Singer-Songwriter for Parkinson’s Awareness in the United States of 2025.

    About Parkinsong

    Parkinsong is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease through music. Founded in 2019 by a group of passionate advocates and musicians, Parkinsong aims to use the power of music to inspire hope, support, and solidarity within the Parkinson’s community. The Parkinsong Contest, launched in 2026, is one of the organization’s flagship initiatives, designed to showcase the talents of musicians whose work highlights the challenges and triumphs of those living with Parkinson’s disease.

    For more information, visit Parkinsong.

    About Rob Georg

    Rob Georg is a singer-songwriter and musician whose heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies have touched the lives of many. Known for his deep emotional connection to his music, Rob has written songs for personal milestones, such as his father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease or his mother’s fight against Alzheimer’s. Rob’s music is available on his official website Rob Georg.

    Media Contact

    Rob Georg
    Singer/Songwriter
    Email: contact@rob-georg-music.com
    Website: Rob Georg
    Facebook: Rob Georg Music
    Parkinsong Contest
    World Parkinson Disease Coalition
    World Parkinson Congress 2026
    Parkinson’s Europe

  • Voting Instructions

    Voting Results | Home

    The contest is powered by YouTube, that means you need to login to vote and/or comment on individual YouTube hosted song pages. Chances are you already have a YouTube account, like the majority of users. Registration is free and it’s a safe way of making sure, that no-one votes twice.

    Each („Like“) = 1 Vote

    Voting itself is easy, Start at parkinsong.org or the YouTube playlist. You got here one or the other way, listened to the songs over your good earbuds, the Smart TV in your living room or in the car on the way home. Click now Watch it on YouTube to go one level deeper, where you find all sorts of interactions (eg comments) and the Like / Unlike button.

    You can observe the votes rising

    Official voting is now closed. But the counters on the YouTube documents are still going so we can get the idea of who would be the winner at the end of the year or in five years from now?

    Voting Results | Home

  • Voting Results

    Voting Instructions

    Start 1. 11. 2025

    1Rob Georg – Climb This Mountain203#1
    2Uwe Fischer – DJ-KIBOT11
    3Katharina Beyer – Door To Paradise5
    4Birdie Belgium – It’s Hard To See83#3
    5Eric J. Ballard – Lost At Sea7
    6Jörg Veselka – Lust For Life4
    7David Sangster – Shake The World Up!20
    8Justin Thomas – Still19#2
    9René van Helsdingen – The Nasty Side Of Life82
    18 NominationsPlaylist PARKINSONG 2026

    Finish 15.12.2025

    It seems there has been confusion regarding the voting procedure after wrong voting instructions were posted on social media. As reliable counters clearly we were meant to use LIKES on each song page, not ARROWS on the Playlist.

    Anyways, basic maths resolve the issue.
    The Total (right column) is the result of Likes 15.12. minus Likes 1.11. (to sync the starters) plus Up/Down (Arrows).

    RankArtistTitleCountryLikes 1.11.Likes 15.12.Up/DownTotal
    1Rob GeorgClimb This MountainUS-2036185420
    2Justin ThomasStillAU-191734158
    3David SangsterShake The World Up!UK-2011342135
    4Birdie BelgiumIt’s Hard To See*BE3350588
    5René van HelsdingenThe Nasty Side of LifeNL-82145770
    6Jörg VeselkaLust for LifeAT-413413
    7Uwe FischerParkinson’s SongDE-1121111
    8Katharina BeyerDoor To ParadiseDE-51139
    9E.J. BallardLost At SeaUK-7935


    *estimated

    1.15374909

    Season’s Greetings
    Gerald Ganglbauer

  • Parkinson’s Song

    Parkinson’s Song

    LYRICS by Uwe Fischer, MUSIC by DJ KI-BOT

    Finalist – Parkinsong 2026

    Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind.
    Taking our lightness, leaving us blind.
    But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall.
    Together in life. We will answer the call.

    The hands they are shaking. The gaze becomes dim.
    The world spins faster. Our hearts full of wind.
    Steps grow smaller. Courage drifts far.
    Yet within us burns a fire. A shining star.

    Oh Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind. 
    Taking our lightness, leaving us blind. 
    But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall. 
    Together in life we will answer the call.

    The doctors are talking of therapies and meds.
    Levadopa hope for the path that it threat.
    But the night is long and the day feels so tough.
    In search of a smile, our heart’s getting rough.

    Sometimes tears come, sometimes laughter we find. 
    Together in pain, we learn to be kind. 
    With friends and family hand in hand, 
    in the darkness of life. Together we stand. 

    Oh, Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind. 
    Taking our lightness, leaving us blind. 
    But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall. 
    Together in life we will answer the call. 

    The night’s filled with questions,
    the days full of might.
    We learn to keep living 
    even when it’s not right. 

    The voice may grow silent, 
    yet our hearts they will sing.
    In the stillness of life,
    hope takes to the wing.

    Oh, Parkinson’s easy. You are so unkind.
    Taking our lightness, leaving us blind,
    but we fight on. We stand and won’t fall
    together in life. We will answer the call.

    So let us be together,
    our hands intertwine
    in the face of the storms.
    We are never malign 

    Parkinson’s disease 
    you are part of our tale.
    but together we are strong.
    Together we prevail.

  • Still

    Still

    Best Song – 2nd Place – Parkinsong 2026

  • Lust For Life

    Lust For Life

    LYRICS by Gerald Ganglbauer, MUSIC by Jörg Veselka

    Finalist – Parkinsong 2026

    Hey Mister Parkinson
    Novak and I
    The both of us
    Want our life back

    Come on get lost
    Leave our bodies alone
    Move again our muscles
    They’re here for a workout

    Before you sneaked in
    Quietly taking over the steering
    Until the last bit of Dopamine
    Will be used up by our brain

    Hey Mister Parkinson
    Novak and I
    The both of us
    Lust for the old life

    Innocent lightness of being
    Was stolen many years ago
    We’re in the mood for love
    Yet the beds remain cold

    In our night dreams
    We can save the world
    But reality is lead boots
    They are the truth

    Hey Mister Parkinson
    Novak and I
    We slow down
    And loose strength

    Bed sheets drip of cold sweat
    We fear to leave the house
    And the car remains in the carport
    Then sing me this song

    Sing it till the tune fades out
    Just as our lust for life
    Novak, can you still feel it
    The burning lust for life?