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.”

“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.”

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!!

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!!!!