A voice that carries

By Larry Meyer - Argus Observer
Monday, September 10, 2007 10:54 AM PDT

When at home, Chris Sammons enjoys her animals and her fish, which she calls her children. Sammons, who graduated from Payette High School, said she changed careers several years ago and ended up applying for a job at Wal-Mart. She was hired by the retail giant and currently is employed at the Ontario store.

PAYETTE - Before Friday, Chris Sammons’ vocal talent had been heard mostly by people at karaoke contests she had entered, but after her performance singing the national anthem at Wal-Mart’s re-grand opening Friday, a lot more people are now familiar with the Payette resident’s vocal abilities.

Sammons, who brandishes a rich, powerful voice, said she grew up in Payette and attended Payette High School.

“I graduated 20 years ago,” she said.

Although she said she sang as a child, she did not do it seriously until about 10 years ago when she became involved with karaoke.

“I entered four contests and won. Every once in a a while I would go in just for fun,” she said. “I also have a friend that does recording. I have helped her.”

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Sammons said her selection of music ranges from gospel, to country, to rock.

“I’m pretty versatile,” she said.

Asked if she has considered trying to get on Fox’s “American Idol,” show Sammons replied, “A lot of people have told me I should.”

But, there is too much pressure in that.

“I like to keep it simple,” she said.

She said she prefers singing in front of the karaoke audiences at Jacob’s Well, her usual venue, she said.

“I know most of the people there.” However, if she could pick a place she could go sing at, it would be the Grand Ole’ Opry, she said.

A co-worker at Wal-Mart heard her sing at karaoke and remembered that when the store celebration was being planned.

“I felt honored,” Sammons said.

Sammons has been with Wal-Mart five years. She worked as a CNA for six years and decided, “I needed something more energizing. I went for the interview and everything was positive and upbeat.”

Starting out as a cashier, Sammons is now a customer service manager.

“I like the family atmosphere,” she said about Wal-Mart, and the fact people are respectful and help each other when needed.