Oak Ridge Boys Parlay Their Heyday Into Cda Casino Gig

Thu., Feb. 5, 1998

William Berry Correspondent

The Oak Ridge Boys, with over two decades of hits behind them, pull their wagon into town this weekend at the Coeur d’Alene Bingo/Casino.

The male vocal quartet has grown beyond gospel to take on country and pop. They have three platinum and 10 gold albums plus a pile of awards to show that they have been there and done that. The good news for those who wonder if the Oak Ridge Boys can still get there and do it is that William Lee Golden is back in the group.

The group’s heyday was back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s with hits like “Elvira,” “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” “American Made” and “Thank God for Kids.”

The Oak Ridge Boys have been around in one form or another for 50 years, but became nationally known in 1975 when they backed up Paul Simon on his hit, “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

Since Golden left the group in 1987 over personal differences, there have been new songs, but they haven’t been topping the charts and winning the awards like the good old days. When Steve Sanders, Golden’s replacement, left the group, the other three did some soul-searching and tried to patch up differences with Golden.

Singing tight harmony together on stage every night takes more than being in the same room at the same time. The Oak Ridge Boys value their friendship and are glad to have made peace. Golden rejoined the group five minutes into 1996.

Since baritone Golden began singing with the group in 1965, that makes newbies out of the rest of them again. Lead singer Duane Allen joined in ‘66, bass Richard Sterban in ‘72 and tenor Joe Bonsall in ‘73.

The Oak Ridge Boys still have a unique approach to country music, coming at it by way of gospel harmonies. Their style has been copied, but here is your chance to hear the chart-topping original quartet, live and in person.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT The Oak Ridge Boys will perform on Monday at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo/Casino in Worley, Idaho. Coltrain will open the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $30 and $20, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets; call (800) 325-SEAT.

This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT The Oak Ridge Boys will perform on Monday at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo/Casino in Worley, Idaho. Coltrain will open the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $30 and $20, available at G&B; Select-a-Seat outlets; call (800) 325-SEAT.

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