The Oak Ridge Boys started as a gospel quartet in East Tennessee back in 1943, when they were called the Oak Ridge Quartet. They eventually moved into country and pop territory while keeping those tight harmonies. Songs like "Elvira" and "Fancy" became country radio staples in the early 1980s.
Their lineup has included Duane Allen on lead vocals, William Lee Golden on baritone, Richard Sterban on bass, and Joe Bonsall on tenor. Bonsall joined in 1973. The group's sound shifted toward pop in the 1980s, which didn't sit well with some of their traditionalist listeners.
They've recorded Christmas material too, including "Blue Christmas" and "Christmas Cookies." Other songs in their catalog range from gospel numbers like "He Did It All For Me" to country tunes like "Heart of Mine" and "Bridges And Walls."
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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