Radio Digest (June 1932-Mar 1933)

10 <T LL Sho w When Missouri Asked Robert Simmons to Demonstrate He Proved He Could By Nellie Revell IT WAS a long, winding, and treacherous road that led from the little railroad station up to the spot on the Ramapoo mountainside where young Robert Simmons was building his summer home. And as the interviewer toiled upwards, she could not help but liken it to the road that Simmons had traversed in his climb from obscurity to a featured place on the world's most extensive broadcasting chain, and prominent niche in concert circles. She reflected on the career of this surprising youth. . . . What had kept Robert to the road so steadfastly, when economic difficulties had made such a serious impasse? What had helped him to hurdle his obstacles, instead of going off into an easier by-path? Probably something of the pioneer spirit of his Missouri ancestors, who had conquered because of difficulties. Robert had reversed the well-known Missouri "show me" to "I'll show them". And surprisingly enough this extremely likeable young chap had lost none of his ideals along the way — and now, while yet in his twenties, had reached his goal! The priceless gift of faith had been inherited from his minister father and missionary mother. And the young singer's inspiration even today is the thought of his dearly beloved critic, his mother, listening in from the Ozark Mountains to his broadcasts. His early musical training most certainly was due to his father, whose powerful rich voice was famous in Fairplay, Missouri, where he conducted evangelical meetings. Robert, and his two brothers and father soon became known as "the Simmons Male Quartette". And though young Robert realized that "music is a gift from heaven" and inspiration itself, he also knew that "genius is nine-tenths perspiration," and so early morning and late evening saw Simmons Jr. at the local merchandise store, while during the day he attended school in Fairplay. No one-sided career for this young artist, however! Characteristic of his sturdy, independent spirit, at fifteen the youth worked in the harvest fields and continued his studying at the same time. This same persevering spirit carried him through preparatory school at Marionville, while clerking in a local store. That completed, he went on to St. Louis, where he attended Washington University, aided by his income from church singing, and odd jobs. In St. Louis, the young singer connected with the Municipal Opera Com CT~\OES the boy from the country JL^/ have any chance these days? Ask Mrs. Simmons down in the Missouri Ozarks about her boy, Robert. . . . And she'll invite you to tune the young man in as he sings from the NBC studios in New York. He is thinking of her as he faces the mike. pany, and then his real voice training began in earnest. He worked his way up from small parts to the singing of juvenile leads, although he was the youngest member of the company. Yet even this was only a beginning! He proceeded to Boston University and the New England Conservatory, attending both simultaneously while also earning his tuition. He now did oratorio and concert singing; conducted the Choral Art Society, and in the summer performed Chautauqua work. During the last two years he was not only a faculty member of both Universities, but in addition, he filled with distinction the responsible position of musical director of the Copley Methodist Church. Having now a thorough background of American technique, the young artist centered his attention upon a European course of study. He won a modest triumph in Berlin. Then radio claimed the attention of artists the world over, and Bob's progressive spirit urged him homeward. On his arrival, he characteristically went straight to his objective, and found himself one of hundreds knocking at Radio's door. The young singer's firm determination and captivating personality won him an audition, however, and thousands of radio fans throughout the country know the rest of the story. But though Simmons may have been lacking a bit in finances at the start — he was never lacking in friends. His loyalty to a friend is the same as his unswerving devotion to his music. His winsome smile, mischievous brown eyes, and frank, boyish expression have won him admirers young and old. /1.ND now the interviewer stopped her climbing to rest a moment. The stillness of the woods was suddenly broken by the haunting strain of "The Rosary". It was one of Simmons' records, and the same record that some years before had brought a very beautiful and helpful friendship into the young singer's life. . . . Mrs. Nevin, elderly widow of the wellknown composer had been driving in Maine, where her summer camp was located, when one of the tires blew out. While it was being replaced, she heard a phonograph playing "The Rosary" and was so impressed with the clarity and sweetness of the voice that she went up to the cabin to ask whose record it was . . . and found it had been made by Robert Simmons. She wrote to him, mentioning how he had caught the spirit of her husband's composition, and thus began a beautiful friendship, which was fostered by the fact that Robert Simmons happened to be one of the prize pupils of Mrs. Nevin's old friend — Frank LaForge. Mr. LaForge had often mentioned the ambitious fellow from Missouri who was one of his most industrious pupils, and had earned every bit of his musical education by his own efforts. The song echoed — and was gone — but just above was the welcoming singer himself. A merry greeting was waved, and joyous barks from the dog at his side, Simmons' beloved pal, made the visitor feel instantly at home. The difficult climb was now forgotten in the splendor of the view — and the friendly hospitality of "just Bob" Simmons!