Samuel Cliff O'Banion, Jr.
Born in September 1948 to Samuel O’Banion Sr. and Barbara Drake O’Banion, Sammy grew up in Augusta, attending Tubman Junior High School and the Academy of Richmond County. He graduated in 1968. Throughout his childhood, Sammy was active in recreational leagues in Football, Basketball, and Baseball, often recognized for outstanding play. O’Banion played football at Tubman and Richmond. In Junior High, he had a starring role in a musical entitled “Smoky Mountain Opry” and was Mikado in the school’s production of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Mikado.” At ARC he also sang in the chorus. However, it was his musical abilities that would drive his reputation for many years.
Throughout his coming-of-age years, he played in bands and after graduation, he continued on this path. When O’Banion opened in Augusta at a Country Music Concert by legend George Jones, the Augusta Chronicle noted that he “showed what professionalism is all about.” O’Banion went on to pursue a successful music career that has lasted over five decades. Highlights included National Anthem performances for National Football League games that were nationally televised, as well at some college basketball and football games. After playing Little League baseball as a boy, he had the honor of singing the National Anthem for the Little League World Series Babe Ruth League. For a time, he hosted a television show on WAGT in Augusta called “Heart of the Country” and later a radio show in Clinton, North Carolina.
He and his band also performed for charities; the Shriners, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. All proceeds from a recent recording entitled “American Now” benefit the Cool Kids Foundation, which helps children with cancer.
He has published two books: O’ My Goodness, about experiences in the music business, and an illustrated children’s book entitled The Magical Christmas Tree.
In recognition of his success, Mr. O’Banion has been inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Beach Music/R& B Hall of Fame and has received a Lifetime Award from the Beach Music Association International.