The Legendary Oak Ridge Boys Brought their Farewell Tour to the Country Tonight Theater In Pigeon Forge Tennessee last weekend. It was a sold out show of all ages that came to see the Oaks.
The Vocal quartet is comprised of Duane Allen , William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Ben James. Richard wasn’t there that night and hasn’t sang with the group since March of this year. Richard finally broke the news recently that he is battling pancreatic cancer. We wish him well and send our prayers to him. Filling in for Richard was none other than Tim Duncan. Tim did an Awesome Job . Tim also was featured on the song “ What a Wonderful World” . The Newest member is Ben James. He has taken the late Joe Bonsall place as Joe passed away July 2024. Ben isn’t Joe but he does an incredible job on vocals , Ben does the Oak Ridge Boys classic songs justice.
They didn’t have an opener this night but who needs one when its The Oak Ridge Boys! They could sing all night.
They took to the stage to a roar of cheers and applause and kicked off the night with the song “ One in a Million” They also did lots of your favorite Oak Ridge Boys Hits “ American Made” “ Sail Away” “ Dream On” Leaving Louisiana in The Broad Daylight” “ Trying to Love Two Women” . William Lee Golden was featured on their popular song “ Thank God For Kids” “ Come On In” They did a Gospel segment of tunes like “ Come on Home” “ Have a Talk With Jesus” and my personal Favorite “ How Great Thou Art” and boy Ben Really did that one justice as he gave a phenomenal performance! speaking of Gospel music earlier in the week Duane Allen was Officially inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame! Way to go Duane! The NQC is the National Quartet Convention. Gospel music biggest event of the year. When the band announced he had won everyone jumped out of their seats and gave him a standing ovation! Duane was so touched he was wiping away the tears of Joy. They also had none other than Hank Snow Grandson Darin Favorite on Guitar so that was an added treat!
Now you know they couldn’t leave out their Biggest Hit “ Elvira” so they Ended the night with fans rushing to the front of the stage to help sing “ Elvira “ and another fun Oak Ridge Boy song “ Bobbie Sue” . they also had a child up on stage who got lots of hugs It was Great! At one point William Lee had taken off his yellow long sleeve shirt and was wearing a black t-shirt underneath and Ben grabbed the yellow shirt and both Ben and William Lee were running around on stage after each other and William Lee got the Shirt back and twirled it over his head . William was dancing around on stage and handing out The Set lists to the fans and shaking their hands and picked up the cutest little baby. The Guys really love their fans and kids. They Took a final bow to the cheering Audience and everyone was on their feet! It was an Excellent night of Glorious Music and the band said they want to come back. I sure hope they do! To keep up with them go to http://www.theoakridgeboys.com Be sure to check out some of the photos from the show below. Angela Richardson- Newman Music Matters Magazine.