Arnold received his musical training from southern shape note teachers such as Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Carr, W. W. Combs, L. A. Gordon, J.
Sponsored by the J. C. Penney Company, the group wore pressed blue overalls, white shirts, and black bow ties at their concerts.
[1] In 1928, he married Cora Angie McDonald, whom he met at a gospel singing at Veribest (near San Angelo, Texas).
In addition to its popularity at shape note singings No Tears in Heaven has been recorded by gospel quarters and artists such as Buck Owens, Skeeter Davis, Red Foley, and The Chuck Wagon Gang.
Robert Sterling Arnold is a member of the 2005 Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees.