Hailing from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Oak Ridge Boys stand as a distinguished American vocal quartet, intertwining the realms of country and gospel.
Tracing their roots back to 1943, when they were known as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the group initially rose to prominence within the Southern gospel sphere during the 1950s. As the early 1960s unfolded, they underwent a transformation, adopting the name “Oak Ridge Boys,” and decided to shift their focus from gospel to country music. This pivotal transition in the mid-1970s saw the reshape of their image, propelling them onto a path of influence and success within the country music landscape.
Now, The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the four members, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban coming together to form the group as known today.
About the Members
Duane Allen, has left a mark on the realm of music as the lead singer of the Oak Ridge Boys. In 1966, he became a prime figure within the group, stepping into the shoes of William Lee Golden. With a voice that resonates power and emotion, Allen’s contributions have played an instrumental role in shaping and defining the Oak Ridge Boys’ distinctive sound. His vocal talent has not only captivated audiences but has also established him as an integral part of the group’s enduring legacy, solidifying their place in music history.
Joe Bonsall, has gained recognition for his remarkable tenor vocals and has held a pivotal role within the Oak Ridge Boys since 1973. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Bonsall’s vibrant energy and seamless harmonies have significantly bolstered the group’s achievements and played a crucial part in their long standing success.
A significant member within the Oak Ridge Boys, William Lee Golden‘s tenure spanned from 1965 until a temporary departure in the mid-1980s. Noted for his unique bass-baritone voice, he became recognizable for his iconic long beard and hair. Following his hiatus, Golden reunited with the group and has maintained his presence within the band ever since.
In 1972, Richard Sterban‘s deep bass voice solidified his place as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. His notable contributions included the distinct solo lines in the track “Elvira,” a song that swiftly emerged as one of the group’s most iconic hits, etching Sterban’s name into the memory of fans.
Their Achievments
Having won an impressive array of awards, the Oak Ridge Boys have proudly earned four ACM Awards, along with an equal number of CMA Awards, in addition to receiving five Grammy trophies and a remarkable twelve Dove Awards. Their stature in the music realm is firmly cemented, as evidenced by their memberships in esteemed institutions like the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame. Making their Grand Ole Opry debut in 1945, they were officially inducted as members in 2011. Their impact on the charts is equally remarkable, including iconic tracks such as “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying To Love Two Women,” “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” “American Made,” and the timeless “Elvira.”
50 Years Later
It has been fifty years after their official debut in 1973, and throughout these five decades, The Oak Ridge boys have left an impact on American popular music. They’ve achieved thirty Top 10 hits, entertained five U.S. presidents, pioneered country-music videos, gained entry into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and successfully toured internationally. With millions of streams and countless live shows, their impact is immeasurable.
Tour Dates
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently continuing their 2023 Front Porch Singin’ Tour.
View upcoming tour dates below:
Aug 18 – Centre Hall, PA @ Centre County Grange Fair
Aug 19 – Shippensburg, PA @ H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
Aug 20 – Kentucky State Fair – Texas Roadhouse Main Stage
Aug 25 – Pigeon Forge, TN @ Country Tonite Theatre
Aug 27 – Steelville, MO @ Meramec Music Theatre
Aug 28 – Grand Island, NE @ Nebraska State Fair
Sept 1 – Davenport, IA @ Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center
Sept 8 – Middletown, OH @ Sorg Opera House
Sept 9 – La Crosse, WI @ Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
Sept 12 – Cape Girardeau, MO @ Southeast Missouri District Fair
Sept 15 – Newberry, SC @ Newberry Opera House
Sept 16 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ Alabama Theatre
Sept 20 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Sept 21 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Sept 22 – Jefferson City, MO @ Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater
Sept 28 – Minot, ND @ North Dakota State Fair Center
Sept 29 – Grand Forks, ND @ Chester Fritz Auditorium
Oct 4 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 5 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 6 – Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
Oct 7 – Powderly, TX @ Richard Drake’s Party Barn
Oct 11 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 12 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 13 – Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
Oct 14 – Alrington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
Oct 18 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 19 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 21 – Rome, GA @ Rome City Auditorium
Oct 26 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 27 – Branson, MO @ The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts
Oct 28 – Independence, KS @ Neewollah Celebration – Jim Halsey Auditorium
Enjoy more from the Oak Ridge Boys this Saturday, August 19 as they perform on Opry Live. Watch at 8/7c pm on Circle Network, or livestream on Circle’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, or Circle Now app.
