Very true but I liked the Statler Brothers more.
So why aren’t they?
I had purchased a tractor from his dad, who was still farming in South Alabama. When I arrived with a semi- to pick it up, William was there with his family. He introduced himself and helped load the tractor.
We got along quite well and shared a nip out of a gallon jug with his dad -- who was a real character.
William had formed his own group -- including his wife and children -- and was starting a tour. He invited us to the first show -- debuting in Montgomery -- a month-or-so down the line and told us he'd leave word for us to go backstage and meet everybody after the show.
A month later, our tickets were waiting for us at the gate. And when we inquired to go backstage, they had our names and we were escorted to the Opening Night festivities.
A truly kind and gracious family, the Goldens. And, while I don't know where the disagreement stemmed from, I'm so happy he was able to rejoin the Oak Ridge Boys.
They also did a couple of Christmas albums that are as good as any of their other CDs.
Although I have heard of the Oak Rdige Boys, I was not aware of their history so I looked them up. (On Wiki of course.)
Interestingly, they seem to have done the opposite of many groups of the past that now perform in name only. For those not aware, the core of the group dates back to 1943 and over the period of 1943 to about 1973 they seemed to have gone through many personel. The current line up has now been the group for the past 40 years, except for a seven year hiatus by William Lee Golden.
Current
William Lee Golden – Baritone (1965–87; 1995–)
Duane Allen – Lead (1966–)
Richard Sterban – Bass (1972–)
Joe Bonsall – Tenor (1973–)