The Oak Ridge Boys: 50 Years Together
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A Golden Anniversary is a momentous occasion, celebrating fifty years together. That’s a big achievement for a married couple but for a musical group? Almost unique! In fact, members of The Oak Ridge Boys can hardly believe it themselves, as you can see from their comments, below!
Right now, The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the four members, Duane Allen(1966), Joe Bonsall (1973), William Lee Golden (1965), and Richard Sterban (1972) coming together to form the group as known today. They continue to entertain fans with a full tour schedule.
The Oaks have chalked up an amazing career with recognition coming from fans, the media and their peers in the music industry. They have received four Academy of Country Music, two American Music, five Billboard, four Country Music Association, five Grammy, and twelve Dove Awards, just to name a few. They are members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Their impact on the charts, if anything, is even more impressive. They have achieved seventeen #1 hits including “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying To Love Two Women,” “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” “American Made,” and the unforgettable “Elvira.”
With an amazing thirty-seven Top 20 country hits, there’s some “heavy metal” on their mantels weighed down with twelve Gold, three Platinum, and one Double-Platinum album awards. The Oak Ridge Boys have made their mark in every facet of the gospel, pop, and country music industry. They have sold over 41 million units worldwide.
"I was 25 years old in 1973 when I joined The Oak Ridge Boys," said Joe Bonsall. “I am 75 years old in 2023 and I am STILL an Oak Ridge Boy. It has been and still IS an amazing ride.”
“It has been an honor to sing with Duane, Joe, and William Lee,” said Richard Sterban. “We have been extremely blessed. I have had an extraordinary life, and I am thankful to the Lord above."
Incredible as it seems, the origin of the group goes back 80 years to the 1940s. The group originally started in 1943 when they were recruited to entertain the sequestered personnel and their families at the Oak Ridge nuclear research facility located nearby. In 1945, they made their debut performances on the prestigious Grand Ole Opry stage.
In the early seventies, The Oak Ridge Boys continued to expand their cutting-edge style. After the addition of Richard Sterban in 1972 and Joe Bonsall in 1973, the Oaks were forever changed with a new direction, a new sound, and a new path. Their career stands alone with its legacy, its style, and its continued contributions to gospel and country music.
“The history of The Oak Ridge Boys runs deep in America’s history,” noted William Lee Golden. “I am honored to still be a part of it. We are a family and always will be.”
"To be anywhere with anyone for 50 years is an accomplishment, and we are celebrating!!” adds Duane Allen. “Come out to one of our shows and sing along with us!”
Discover more about The Oak Ridge Boys and find their updated tour schedule at their website. Keep up with The Oaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at their YouTube channel. #OakRidgeBoys
About Preshias Harris
JournalistPreshias Harris is a music journalist who has interviewed everyone from Alabama to ZZ Top for articles and stories published in numerous music magazines. She is the author of longest-running monthly country music column in America and authored The College of Songology™ 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s ‘Need To Know’ Reference Handbook. As a music career development consultant with special emphasis on emerging and aspiring artists and songwriters, she focuses on ‘chasing the dream’ while understanding the realities of the music industry. She maintains a writers’ room on Music Row – named The Sangtuary – for her clients and their co-writers. She is a member of ASCAP (as a publisher), BMI, The Country Music Association (CMA), The Recording Academy, The National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and a life member of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
You can find out more about Preshias at https://www.collegeofsongology.com and find her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
