Interview with Songwriter/Promoter Rhonnie Scheuerman

Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I am blessed to have two professions, I am a professional Songwriter writing songs that are played worldwide and on charts around the world,,plus major fundraising songs to help organizations .I am also promoting top Recording Artists who are incredible! Some write their own songs and ALL are on top charts in USA and overseas. My promotion company is called RHONBOB Promotions.

Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: It was one of my best years ever, things were happening very fast for the artists we promote, doors were opening wide. I had many songs on the charts, and DJ’s were extremely good to RhonBob Promotions and those we promoted.

Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I have had major artists record my songs, and they put them on compilations and CD’s of their choice.

Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: One of the biggest surprises I had with a CD was when recording artist Jose Daniel who I have co-written many songs with decided to do a CD called “White Roses” that was a song I wrote that he brought straight up the charts. He included many other songs I wrote on this CD and he sang each one beautifully.. His wife Barb designed the CD and did a great job. It was a major highlight for Jose and myself as the entire CD and every song on it got terrific airplay. “White Roses” was so popular that it is still on charts and playlists in USA and abroad. Jose sings in English and Spanish.

Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I write many of my own songs, but also enjoy co-writing with talented songwriters Right now one of my all time favorite gospel songs will be recorded by Allen Karl and Donna Cunningham, both exceptional artists with amazing voices. This will come out in October. Can’t say the name of the song until it is recorded, but can say with Allen and Donna doing a duet of it, it will go straight up the charts, they are both that good. Allen has gone #1 5 times on ECMA and also on other top charts. Donna is on charts all over and has a beautiful voice.

Rhonnie Scheuerman: On this particular CD “White Roses” There is a mixture of Patriotic, Country, Easy Listening and gospel .

Lamitschka: Your current singles are being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I have many songs now on ECMA chart and other respected charts. Last count was 18 songs from Country, Gospel, Easy Listening, Patriotic. More songs are being recorded as I write this, all by artists that are truly embraced by DJ’s. I believe our relationship with DJ’s., coupled with the great artists we promote, and the hours I spend on writing and re-writing, or working with gifted co-writers on some make the songs special…Having the right artist give their all to the song, is a combination that works well. Many of the artists I promote record my songs!

Lamitschka: What will your next single be?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: At the moment I have about 12 songs that will be recorded. The artist picks my song and it is always a wonderful surprise when I see what they do with it.

Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to write the most?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I like to write all styles, Country, Gospel, Easy Listening, Patriotic, Blue Grass and Christmas. My favorite is gospel, as some of the listeners have related so strongly that they have told me the song changed their life around. One incident was when an artist took a particular song “Jesus Crossed Me In”, and a DJ phoned and told me this ” When he had just played the song, a woman called crying . She said her son had stopped bye , and she served him dinner, during the song playing he suddenly put his head down on the table . His mother and Dad didn’t know why he stopped eating and laid his head down.. When the song was over he said ” Mom and Dad Jesus just crossed me in like the song said. I had come here to say good-bye to you, I was going to take my life tonight, instead I now have a reason to live it is Jesus and serving him”. When the DJ told me this we both cried, and that is the power of God and the song touching a life. This so moved us that he keeps in touch with the man and he is still dedicated to serve Jesus.

Lamitschka: You’ve had recordings by duets. How did that happen to come about?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I have had duets done of some of my songs. One in particular was a gospel song that Gary and Carol Bibb did, and turned it into a Gospel Bluegrass song, and it climbed the charts fast. They did a truly wonderful duet.

Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: That is hard to answer. As a songwriter I have many favorites. The one that really grabbed me the most was James Marvell’s recording ” EMBRACE THE WORLD” produced by the late Steve Bivins. Marvell & Bivins brought in over 50 well known artists, musicians, Djs, label owners and industry folks to be part of the song. He kept on adding more people to make it unique and terrific! He wants it to touch listeners all over the world. Many performers including Marvell sang on the the song adding in different languages. He has treated this song as he does all, with tender loving care. He is now in the middle of making it a future Christmas Classic titled “EMBRACE THE WORLD THIS CHRISTMAS.” He does not quit with a song until he feels it is perfect for the DJ’s to present to their listeners. James Marvell has two songs out now, a remake of “LOVE CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY” (THIS SONG WENT #2 in the 60’s for Marvell & Mercy). His new version is currently on the CASHBOX Easy Listening Top 5. Plus another song promoted by RHONBOB is “FIRST COUNTRY OUTLAWS DIDN’T GET HIGH.” This superb song to help our youth, is also charting high on playlists and charts worldwide. 

Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I have control of my songs, but allow the artists to bring their ideas into it, and sing it the way they feel it. I do like to hear the song before they record it, to see how it will sound. and if I feel any changes improved my song or co-written song.

Lamitschka: There’s a lot of work that goes into a number one hit. What did it take to make it in your case?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Thankfully I have had 18 #1 songs. I credit God with the gift of song writing and the artist, duo or group that took it and made it a #1.

Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I get my feedback from DJ’s how their listeners respond to the artist singing my songs or co-written songs.Many times I hear that the words got to their listeners. Of course if the song(s) are on their playlists that is a positve reaction and when they go on charts it is extremely exciting.

Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: My husband Bob. He is behind me all the way. Also our children inspire me and are very honest about the songs I write or co-write. I was taking piano lessons at age 8 , and my mother kept me at it for quite a few years. There were times I didn’t want to practice, but happy now she kept me in it. I can hear the music write the notes when writing lyrics and it makes a big difference. Mom inspired me when towards the end of her life she lived with Bob and I and made a scrap book of my songs, and asked to hear them over and over. She was a tremendous encourager.

Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I go back and forth on this. I did love the music industry when many artists could and did record the same song. I do feel the music industry is opening more doors for Indie artists and songwriters.

Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I passionately love being part of the music industry as a Promoter and a songwriter.

Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Two avenues I am working on. The first is with my Promotional company- only promoting artists with exceptional talent. If an artist does not have what it takes to make a career out of singing, I don’t feel it is fair to promote them and get their spirits up and their geting disappointed. As far as my songwriting, I am reaching out more and more to write songs that have great stories. I also like to work on songs about what is happening in our country now. Terrific worldwide artist Judy Welden and I have finished co-writing such a song that will be released in October and sung by Judy. We have high hopes that this wake up song will touch hearts and have people make changes. The words are very strong.

Lamitschka: What was your big break that got you into the music business?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: My big break as a songwriter was when a publisher years ago was a mentor to me . Mr. Fred Sollie was one of the most humble and honest persons I have worked with. When he got ill & knew he was dying… he called BMI and had all the songs I wrote returned to me to publish them. He taught me a lot. Another wonderful break was when I got to write 2 songs with Grand Ole Opy Artist Ernie Ashworth. I promoted him, and one day he said let’s do it Rhonnie, let’s write a couple of songs, l gospel, l about Country Music DJ’s. I loved this man and miss him also as he is now with our Lord.

Lamitschka: Before you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Songwriters very rarely become stars, but I have been acknowledged by getting many awards for my songs, and 3 times inducted into Hall of Fames.

Lamitschka: What inspired you to become a songwriter?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I had heard a song on the radio years ago “She’s In Love With The Boy”, I remember telling my husband, I love that song, wish I had written it. Later that night I wrote a song and sent it to 3 Publishers that week and all wanted it….after that, there was no stopping my love of songwriting.

Lamitschka: What drives you?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Promoting artists and seeing them achieve their goals. Also, writing songs that touch lives.

Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Writing songs as fund raisers for major organizations . These are the hardest songs for me to write, but it is also one of the most rewarding as I get a chance to help others. I have been so blessed in my life it is good to give back, and this is one of the ways I can use my songwriting. Here are some of the songs: written or co-writtens that  are used to help these organizations raise funds.

Lamitschka: Any thoughts of retirement ahead?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: NO, I tried it for a couple of months, and with artists calling me to return back to help promote them got to me, and I am happy to be back .

Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: A little bit me, a little bit friends.

Lamitschka: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I spend time with Bob and my family, love to travel, taking photos of animals and scenes, paint, read

Lamitschka: Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Right now very satisfied with my life. Thankful for a wonderful marriage my family, my careers.

Lamitschka: What hopes and desires do you have?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: To have a vacation home out west, Bob and I love to go there.

Lamitschka: What has been the biggest disappointment in your life?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Having cancer when my children were young (but it also made me stronger as I fought twice for my life, when doctors were counting me out) but God counted me in!

Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.

Rhonnie Scheuerman: Being married to my soul mate and best friend and sharing time with him each day. Knowing all is well with our family. Working at something I am passionate at promoting artists worldwide. Writing a song and seeing the right artist is singing it and captured what I felt when writing it.

Lamitschka: Most careers don’t last as long as yours. What’s given your career the staying power?

Rhonnie Scheuerman: I have been in the music industry 16 years and love it. I think when you love something the desire to help the artists we promote get ahead and realize their dreams coming true…motivates me.

To email RHONBOB Promotions:  rhonnies@aol.com 

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )