The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys are one of the best-known country and gospel bands in United States. They began their career as the Oak Ridge Quartet in 1945, singing gospel music and becoming popular during the 1950s. Their name was changed to the Oak Ridge Boys in 1961, and remained a predominantly gospel-oriented group until the late 60s, when they changed their image somewhat and concentrated more on country and pop music. By the 1970s, the band's lineup had become more or less consistent: lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass singer Richard Sterban, who previously was a member of J.D. Summner & The Stamps Quartet. Backing Elvis Presley live in concert in the 1970's. Richard was in the Stamps Quartet in 1972 & 1973. Up to Elvis' Aloha from Hawaii concert, Shortly after which he left the group. In 1977 they switched from gospel to country. With the release of their

Related Topics:
Country - Gospel - United States - 1945 - 1950s - 1961 - 60s - Pop music - 1970s - Duane Allen - Joe Bonsall - William Lee Golden - Richard Sterban - Aloha from Hawaii - "Ya'll come Back Saloon"

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on September 2 1977. It was Followed on May 25 1978 By their 2nd album Room Service, and the The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived

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September 2 - 1977 - May 25 - 1978 - Room Service - The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived

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album on March 30 1979.

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March 30 - 1979

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By the end of the 70's they were already one of the biggest groups in country music. Their 4th album / first of the 80's was called Together. it was released on March 30 1980. A greatest hits compilation, simply titled Greatest Hits followed it on October 30 1980.

Related Topics:
Together - March 30 - 1980 - Greatest Hits - October 30

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Then on March 26 1981 their 6th album Fancy Free was released. It's opening sing was a Dallas Frazier written tune called Elvira. (Which, still today, 24 years later, is the song they are "best known for") It would be a #1 country chart hit and a #5 pop hit too, making trhem even more popular.

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March 26 - 1981 - Fancy Free

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Their 7th album Bobbie Sue was released on February 10 1982.

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Bobbie Sue - February 10 - 1982

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It's Title tune / first single was another "crossover" hit. Making #1 on the country chart, and #12 om the pop chart. the next single was their cover of The Fiestas' 1959 hit "So Fine"

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A holiday album simply titled Christmas was released on September 23 1982. Followed by American Made on January 20 1983. The title tune of which was yet another "crossover" hit making both the country & pop charts. The next album was titled Deliver, released on October 20 1983.

Related Topics:
Christmas - September 23 - 1982 - American Made - January 20 - 1983 - Deliver - October 20

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Another compilation album Greatest Hits 2 including most of their hits from 1980-1984, was released on July 7 1984. Although, unlike the first "greatest hits" album in 1980. This one had 2 new songs on it "Make My Life With You" & Everyday". Which left no room for the songs Bobbie Sue & So Fine, both of which were big hits in 1982. Both SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THIS ALBUM!!!

Related Topics:
Greatest Hits 2 - July 7 - 1984

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On March 6 1985 the Step On Out album was released. It was their latest album when...In 1986 William Lee Golden left the group. After people at the time, including the other 3 in the group, made a big deal about his appaearance (beard) and "mountain man" lifestyle. He'd say he felt like the "Odd man out" so he left the group. He was replaced as baritone singer by the band's guitarist, Steve Sanders, who remained with the group until Golden returned in the mid 90's.

Related Topics:
March 6 - 1985 - Step On Out - Steve Sanders

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Their 25 "country music" albums are

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• Ya'll Come Back Saloon (September 2 1977)
• Room Service (May 25 1978)
• The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived (March 30 1979)
• Together (March 30 1980)
• Greatest Hits (October 30 1980)
• Fancy Free (March 26 1981)
• Bobbie Sue (February 10 1982)
• Christmas (September 23 1982)
• American Made (January 20 1983)
• Deliver (October 20 1983)
• Greatest Hits 2 (July 7 1984)
• Step On Out (March 6 1985)
• Seasons (March 25 1986)
• Christmas Again (September 20 1986)
• Where The Fast Lane Ends (February 10 1987)
• Heartbeat (September 30 1987)
• Monongahela (August 10 1988)
• Greatest Hits 3 (May 31 1989)
• American Dreams (September 25 1989)
• Unstoppable (April 1 1991)
• The Long Haul (June 8 1992)
• Country Christmas Eve (November 20 1995)
• Revival (March 3 1997)
• Voices (July 14 1999)
• From The Heart (May 12 2001)
 
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