Fort Worth Songwriters Association: Membership Profiles

Steve Obermiller

Visit Steve on MySpace -
www.myspace.com/barefootintexas

Deborah Owen

Rob Owen

Rob got my first guitar when he was 13 years old. He didn't have any money and was busy taking care of his younger brother and sister because his Mom worked very long hours. His father was a Baptist preacher, and passed away when he was seven years old. There was this small music shop located across the street from where he lived in Bellflower, CA., and every day after school before his Mom would go to work he would walk across the street and stare at this Candy Apple red guitar. It was only $15.00, but it might has well have been $1000.00. The guy who owned the music store asked him if I would like to have the guitar. Rob told him he didn't have any money, but the owner said if he would mow his lawn and work in the yard around the music store, he would give him the guitar. After the work was complete he gave Rob the guitar and some chord books.

After his family relocated to Oklahoma, his mother bought him his first hollow body electric guitar, but couldn’t afford the amplifier to go with it. He learned to play guitar by studying chords books and listening to Johnny Cash on the stereo. His early influences in music included, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, Cat Stevens, and James Taylor. He began writing his own music in the late 80’s, and has continued on from that point. While stationed overseas with the U.S. Army, Rob played at many German festivals and after returning to the States, began his career with the Government. While working in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, he formed the band “The Reflectors” and played at many venues from hosting open mic sessions to large outside festivals.

Mostly, he is a songwriter, and after relocating to Fort Worth, Texas, he became a member of the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association. Rob writes all types of music, including country, acoustic rock, folk, Americana, and blues. He just released his first CD, "Just The Way I Am" with all original materials. His favorite venue is still the small open mics with just him and his guitar. He plays every Monday night at "The Rig" located off I-35 in Fort Worth and other venues around the area in support of the FWSA. You can hear his music at www.myspace.com/musicofrobowen .