Album Notes

Robert Clayton Samels was a doctoral student at IU Bloomington, when he died tragically in a plane crash with four of his friends on April 20, 2006. You can learn more about him by visiting www.robertsamels.com To honor his memory, on what would have been his 30th birthday, his father, Clayton Samels, released an album containing music from Robert's "folksie" side, mainly music he played with his family group, The Samels Family, or with his then girlfriend Pam Rhoades, while they attended BGSU. All of the music on the album was arranged by Robert; the final track was his own composition. His main folk instrument was the hammered dulcimer, though he did play piano as well. Also, the album opens with "How Can I Keep From Singing," which he recorded with variations and taped so his grandmother could play it at home whenever she wished. Robert competed at the national level in hammered dulcimer at Winfield Kansas two years running, but then his college music career began, and off he went, earning degrees in music theory, composition, and performance. His goal was to eventually sing at the Met, but even up to a month before his death, he was heard to remark that he would really like to return to playing his hammered dulcimer. It is hoped that you will enjoy listening to Robert's voice and hearing his wonderful music.