The Oak Ridge Boys’ infectious sound that has captivated audiences for nearly 65 years will once again be showcased when the Grammy Award-winning band performs two live shows at Prairie’s Edge Casino on June 11 at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.
Since the band’s foundation in 1945, The Oak Ridge Boys’ music has evolved from pop to gospel and country but it has truly remained with the latter two. Throughout the years, the band’s popularity has kept intact, proving that they have a long list of faithful fans. The band’s current lineup includes lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden, tenor Joe Bonsall, and bass Richard Sterban.
Some of The Oak Ridge Boys’ greatest hit songs have been awarded Grammys. They include: “Talk About the Good Times,” “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor,” “Where the Soul Never Dies,” and “Elvira” with the first three winning the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance in 1971, 1975, and 1977 respectively and the last one winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1982.
Through the years, the band has had the opportunity to work with high caliber artists Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Brenda Lee, Roy Rogers and George Jones.
The Oak Ridge Boys have also made countless national televised appearances, such as ABC’s 20/20, Good Morning America, Tonight Show, Regis and Kathie Lee, American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and another 150 personal appearances ranging from festivals, state fairs, worldwide arenas, and select theatres. The Oak Ridge Boys have an international presence by taking their music to countries like Canada, Belgium, England, Finland, France, Monaco, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Thanks to their outstanding achievements, the Oaks, as they are sometimes referred to, were inducted in the Gospel Hall of Fame back in 2000. In 2001, they were inducted in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Since then, the group has sold over an estimated 30 million albums.
The Oak Ridge Boys were presented with the Academy of Country Music’s top honor, its Pioneer Award.
After the long string of awards, concerts, and success that the band has garnered, The Oak Ridge Boys is arguably one of the best country-gospel bands to exist. To have the opportunity see them perform live, is truly an honor.
Granite Falls, Minn. —
