Sammy Simorangkir: Inspired by big personalities

Hendra Samuel Simorangkir has eaten life’s bitterness and then spit it out.

The singer, best known as Sammy, was caught red-handed with drugs, spent time in jail and was ignominiously kicked out of his band, Kerispatih.

Undaunted, Sammy released two hits after completing rehabilitation last year.

The songs — “Sedang Apa dan Dimana” (What you are doing and where?) and “Kesedihanku” (My Sorrow) — quickly gained popularity.

Most recently, the 29-year-old snatched an award as best male solo singer on RCTI’s music show Dahsyat.Sammy said that his singing schedule is packed until early next year. His upcoming album, Aku Kembali (I’m Back), will mark his big return to the music industry.

Along the way, Sammy said he found three books that inspired him and encouraged him to stay motivated.

Biografi Sukarno: Penyambung Lidah Rakyat Indonesia (The Biography of Sukarno: Mouthpiece of the Indonesian People).

For me, Sukarno was an insightful leader. The country’s founding father was the one who ensured that the Indonesian people had the power to embrace change.

His speeches were powerful. Our country was under colonialism for centuries, yet he made a bold statement: “Give me 10 young people and I will shake the world!”

Bill Gates, Biography
This book teaches us that if we want to get long-lasting results, we should have the courage to start from scratch. It tells the struggle of Bill Gates in building his now-giant company. He used to rent a room, working on his old personal computer until he finally was successful with his Microsoft operating system.

The Holy Bible
I will always remember Revelations 21:8. Basically, it says that all those who dwell on worldly things and commit sinful deeds will end up in hell. And yes, I believe hell does exist.

— Indah Setiawati