History
of the Oak Ridge Boys
The
Oak Ridge Boys, as we know them today, have been making audiences scream
and clap along for nearly thirty years. Duane, Joe, Richard and William
Lee perfected the fine art of harmony. While the original Oak Ridge
Quartet started out in 1945 with lead singer Wally Fowler, the rights to the
name was sold over the years to various others including; Bob Weber in 1949.
Later Smitty Gatlin purchased the name from Weber and changed the name to the
Oak Ridge Boys in 1961. In the late 60’s with more than 30 members
having come and gone, the “Boys” underwent a major change growing their hair
long and moving from gospel to more pop-oriented music. By 1973 the group
had fallen into place, as we know them today. The Oak Ridge Boys made
their first entry into the country charts with Johnny Cash’s “Praise the
Lord and Pass the Soup.” The following year financial difficulties
almost brought the end to our beloved Boys. In 1977, the decision was made
to switch over to secular music, beginning with the hit singles “Y’All Come
Back Saloon” and “You’re the One”. Subsequently, they had a string
of 25 Top Ten Singles, including 13 number one hits. In 1978 the Boys had
their first number one single with “I’ll Be True to You.” In 1981
the Oaks had their biggest hit with the crossover smash “Elvira.”
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“They
were the most innovative quartet in gospel music,” says tenor Joe Bonsall,
“They performed gospel with a rock approach, had a full band, wore bell-bottom
pants and grew their hair long … things unheard of at the time.”
The 80’s saw things begin to slow down with the Oaks. While they still
had Top 40 Hits they no longer dominated the Top Ten as they had done in the
past. William Lee Golden was fired from the group in 1987, because they
believed that his long hair and beard no longer fit the image of the Oak Ridge
Boys. Steve Sanders, rhythm guitarist for the band stepped up to replace
him. With Steve’s beautiful voice the Boys were soon once again back in
the Top Ten with three number one hits over the next three years including, "Gonna Take a Lot of River,” and "No Matter How High.” One other Top Ten hit followed in 1991, “Lucky Moon” but the group had disappeared from the country charts buy the end of 1992. Steve Sanders left the group in 1995; he committed suicide on June 10, 1998.
The Oaks have earned Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards and numerous other
industry and fan accolades.
“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with
the Oak Ridge Boys,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only
job I’ve ever wanted to have.”
“Like everyone else in the group,” adds bass singer extraordinaire Richard
Sterban, “I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member. I’m still
a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment
of a lifelong dream.”
“We always look for songs that have lasting value and that are uplifting,”
says Allen. “You don’t hear us singing ‘cheating’ or
‘drinking’ songs, but ‘loving’ songs, because we think that will last.
We also don’t put music in categories, except for ‘good’ or ‘bad.’
When we get through with it, it’s probably going to sound like an Oak Ridge
Boys song no matter what it is.”
The Oaks’ high-energy stage show remains the heart and soul of what they do,
they refine it several times a year, striving to keep it fresh well into the
future.
“We’re not willing to rest on our laurels,” Golden says. “That
gets boring. As a group, we do things constantly to challenge ourselves,
to try to do something different or better than the last time we did it.”
“I
feel like I can do on stage just as good now as I could 20 years ago,” says
Bonsall. “In fact, if anything, I’m in better shape now than I was 20
years ago. I plan to be rocking’ my tail off out there as long as I’m
healthy and don’t look stupid doing it. The people who come out, who bring
their families to see us, deserve everything I’ve got.”
“We’ve experienced a lot of longevity,” adds Sterban, “and I think the
reason is the love we have for what we do – the desire, the longing to
actually get up there and do it. We love to sing together…to harmonize
together. It’s what our lives are all about.”
In addition to the wonderful things the Oaks do on stage they have a pretty
active life off stage too. Joe Bonsall is the author of a collection of
children’s books, the series title “A Molly Book,” tells the continuing
tale of a loveable cat named Molly. These stories are based on Joe’s own
cat Molly. There are four books in the series – “Molly,” “The
Home,” “Outside” and “Brewster.”
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Another popular project by William Lee Golden is a multi media box set in
celebration of his 35 years since joining the Oak Ridge Boys. The box-set,
“William Lee Golden – My Life’s Work, ‘ includes a 65-minute
documentary, an 11-song CD recorded by Golden and a limited-edition, autographed
photo montage.
In addition to their fabulous stage shows, for the last 13 years, the Oaks have
done a Christmas tour. “It’s made December our busiest month of the
year,” Sterban said. “We won’t get home until Christmas Eve.
It’s a nice departure from what we do the rest of the year.” The group
usually starts the show by performing a few of their country hits and sings a
collection of Christmas and religious songs. “The last part of the show
is devoted to songs focusing on what we consider the real meaning of Christmas
– the birth of Jesus,” Sterban said. “It’s a well rounded night of
wholesome entertainment that we’re really proud of.”
In October, 2000 the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of
Fame.
The Oaks were nominated for induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (VGHOF)
in Sharon, PA. Well, the votes are in and . . . The Oaks WILL be inducted into
the VGHOF in September! Congratulations Joe, William Lee, Duane and Richard!
Finally, the Oaks have just finished recording a new Gospel Album. The
album will be titled “From the Heart” as we know all their music is.
Joe listed the following cuts (with his comments) in a moving feature that he
wrote on www.oakridgeboys.com. Check it out.
ANGELS
WATCHING OVER ME......... no kidding!!!
SHOW ME THE WAY TO GO......... William Lee at his best!!
FALL TO FLY......... I am honored to be able to sing such a song
WHAT LIES AHEAD......... Southern Gospel!
THE LOVE OF CHRIST......... The Ace sings from HIS heart
THEN YOU'LL SEE.... Golden teared up singing it. Thanks, Garland.
WORKIN ON A BUILDING... What fun! Richard's lowest note ever!!!
WRITE YOUR NAME. Classic Duane. Thanks, Randy Van Warmer.
FIRST STEP TO HEAVEN......... Bluegrass time. Go, Richard!!
MANSION THERE FOR YOU......... Joey still must ROCK!!!
LOVING GOD, LOVING EACH OTHER.. pretty well sums it all up!!
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I for
one can hardly wait to hear this one. If Joe says that this is Richard’s
lowest note ever, I can feel my chair rumbling now. Go Richard!!!!