ROBBY KLEIN
Sam Williams
Occupation: Artist
Hometown: Paris, TN
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Before my son was born, when I was 19, I promised myself that no matter what, his childhood will be brighter than mine. I’ve had two deaths in my immediate family in the past 4 years, and tragedy seems to follow my family, historically. My sister Katie’s death was an earthquake for me that will always bring aftershocks. But somehow, I have raised the most compassionate, intuitive, beautiful boy I could imagine. He is my guiding light. Everything he does fills me with enormous pride. When I think of the fear I felt back then and the drastic ways my life has changed, I’m proud of myself for never staying down. I always get back up.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’ve always been invested in international relations and how the world is interconnected. I studied it for a time at University of Miami. I felt a lot of privilege in my adolescence and would ponder why I was born in a wealthy family in a rich, free country. No one can answer those kinds of questions, but I think it is very important to have an extended worldview. People who were dealt cards of terrible circumstances deserve the compassion of those more fortunate.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
I love to pop in my dad’s bar on Broadway to see the memorabilia and feel the love. I love taking my son to one of our favorite places, Ichigo Ichie. I enjoy driving through the city interstates at night with the sun setting on the skyline and my music blaring. There are a few famous sites from my family’s history, like Hank and Audrey’s original Franklin Road home, that give me a bittersweet hug from the past.
Special thanks to Grogan Jewelers by Lon for bringing some extra sparkle to our shoot! Sam Williams is wearing: 14 karat white gold 2.00 carat diamond martini stud earrings Sterling silver ‘classic chain’ black sapphire bracelet by John Hardy; Platinum 3.29 carat round brilliant cut diamond eternity band; 14 karat yellow gold .42 carat diamond fashion band.