Posted on 03/16/2015 3:57:14 PM PDT by jazusamo
We have to join the chorus, led by Billboard magazine, calling for the Oak Ridge Boys’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Go to their concert this week and you’ll understand why. Sure, their 40-plus years of No. 1 hits — including “Elvira,” “American Made” and “Bobbie Sue” — consistently full concerts and tireless work for the American Legion and other charities more than qualify them for this prestigious induction. Yet it’s the reverence with which Merle Haggard, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Lee Brice and other major performers hold them — which is more than returned by the Oaks — that pushes them to the front of a long line of deserving artists.
“A 2011 induction to the Grand Ole Opry only added to their list of honors, and they continue to play to sold-out audiences, particularly with their legendary Christmas tours,” Billboard critic Chuck Dauphin wrote last fall. “In addition, the Oaks have never forgotten that they were once the new kids on the block, as they continue to encourage and support newer acts over the years — making a great bridge from the past to the present.”
You know what’s great? In this age of rampant self-congratulation for dubious achievements (Kardashians, anyone?), the Oaks seem more than happy with their lot.
“In my 40s and 50s, I’d say, ‘If we can give this two more great years, that will be terrific.’ Then, when we’d do that, we’d give it a few more,” said tenor Joe Bonsall. “This is a young man’s business, but William Lee Golden just turned 76, and he stomps across the stage with an energy that is amazing. He is nine years older than me. I’ll be 67 in May, but I’m planning on performing when I’m in my 70s,...
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Very true but I liked the Statler Brothers more.
Yep, the Statler Brothers are great also as are many others.
So why aren’t they?
They should already be and they will be.
Sounds like Rush and R&R HOF. They finally did.
Statler Brothers got inducted in 2008.
My mom used to play their music (loudly!) while she cleaned the house. Every time I hear their music I can picture her vacuuming and singing along, makes me smile.
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.
Different genre but the Gaither Vocal Band does a nice job too.
Thanks for relating that.
He always impressed me as a gentleman and happy they worked whatever it was out.
I loved the Statler Brothers. They were the best group around at that time.
My dad loved the Statler Brothers and to this day I can not hear “The Class of ‘57 Had it’s Dreams” without a tear coming to my eye.
(My dad was class of ‘57.)
Class Of 57 and Flowers On The Wall are probably tied for first.
I had to grow up to appreciate them. As a kid I did not care for much if any country music.
When I around here for dusting and what other household things, generally it is some kind of dumb sports talk station.
They also did a couple of Christmas albums that are as good as any of their other CDs.
I am from the Class of 57.
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