The Song Inspired by a Dedicated Trucker
The song “Pocketful of Quarters” by the Joe Stamm Band draws its inspiration from Charlie Roberts, a former truck driver and OOIDA member.
A True Trucker
“He drove flatbeds, box trucks, concrete mixers, and tankers. He did it all,” recalled Cindy Roberts. “He was an exceptional professional who took pride in being a traditional trucker.”
Love and Loss
Cindy and Charlie, who met in 2006 and married in 2009, shared 15 years together, making her his fourth wife a point of pride. Their love story took a turn when Charlie was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in January 2017, a battle he fought valiantly for over four years.
Discovering New Music
Amidst his treatment, Charlie discovered music on Facebook, leading to a new chapter in his life. “Charlie was social and loved sharing music. One day, he told me about the Joe Stamm Band,” said Cindy, recalling how they quickly became fans and attended concerts together.
A Creative Opportunity
When the pandemic hit, Joe Stamm sought help from fans to fund a new record. Cindy seized the opportunity to request a song for Charlie, which required $2,000. Utilizing social media to gather funds, she was determined to honor her husband.
Capturing Charlie’s Spirit
Stamm knew he needed inspiration, so he talked to Cindy and explored Charlie’s Facebook posts for insights into his life as a trucker. He found a poignant post reflecting on the simplicity of trucking life, emphasizing the importance of having “enough quarters” for phone calls home.
A Lasting Legacy
It took Stamm weeks to compose the song, encapsulating the struggles of a trucker on the road. Although Charlie couldn’t appear in the music video due to health issues, the song was completed in spring 2020 and included in the band’s latest album. Charlie passed away in July, but Cindy finds solace in the song, feeling it keeps his spirit alive and offers comfort to others who loved him.
