Fast Five
with Robert Sammons
by Scoops Staff
Baptist College. I graduated with B.D. & B.A. degrees and Betty Jo with a B.S. degree. We graduated with honors and I was president of the Senior Class. We have attended numerous music and songwriting classes including: Ben Speerâs âStamps Baxter School of Musicâ at Middle Tennessee State University, Gloria Gaitherâs âSongwriters Intensiveâ at the Gaither Studios and Indiana Wesleyan University, John Chisumâs âNashville Christian Songwritersâ in Franklin, Tennessee and Sue Smithâs âWrite About Jesusâ in St Charles, Missouri. 2. Tell us what got you into songwriting? I was singing with some friends at our church and at some local RV parks in South Texas. My friends would sing some songs they had written themself and that turned me on to songwriting. 1. Please introduce yourself. I was born âRobert Franklin Sammonsâ January 23, 1937, in Johnson City, Tennessee. I joined the United States Air Force in 1954 and became a Radio and Radar Electronic Technician. After the military I married the beautiful Betty Jo Smith and we had four wonderful children. I worked for Raytheon Corp. on the Navyâs Sparrow III Missile. I also taught the adult Sunday school class in a church I helped to organize in the 60âs. That church is a strong witness in Johnson City today. The family moved to Arlington, Texas in 1973 in order to attend the Bible Baptist Seminary and then on to Arlington
3. Who would you say influenced you in your songwriting the most? First would be my friends in South Texas. Then I met Kenna West at the Stamps Baxter School of Music and she has had great influence on my songwriting. 4. Beside the songs you have written, tell me your favorite song and why? First would be âAmazing Graceâ. There is just something about that song. Then âOh What a Saviorâ by The Statesmen Quartet. Two songs really say it all. 5. What are some of the long term goals for your
