The Oak Ridge Boys Biography

The Oak Ridge Boys rose to popularity in the 1950’s, but not as the southern rock group which became iconic in the 1970’s. The band originally existed as a gospel group, but after nearly two decades of performing in that genre, they changed their sound.

Throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s, the Oak Ridge Boys gave audiences a series of hit albums, including: Sky High (1975), Old Fashioned Down Home (1976), Y’all Come Back Saloon (1977), The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived (1979), Together (1980), Fancy Free (1981), Bobbie Sue (1982), Step on Out (1985), Seasons (1986), Monongahela (1988), Unstoppable (1991), and Revival (1997.) The albums spawned the number one country singles: “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Trying to Love Two Woman,” “American Made,” “Love Song,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “Everyday,” “Make My Life With You,” “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend,” “It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow),” “This Crazy Love,” “Gonna Take a Lot of River,” and the crossover hits “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” For their achievements during this time period, the Oak Ridge Boys earned multiple awards, including American Country Music Awards for Top Vocal Group and Single of the Year (for “Elvira”); CMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year and Single of the Year; and Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

In the new millennium, the Oak Ridge Boys have returned to their gospel roots, releasing a number of successful albums: From the Heart (2001), Colors (2003), The Journey (2004), Common Thread (2005), and A Gospel Journey (2009.) Most recently, the Oak Ridge Boys released Back Home Again: Gospel Favorites (2012) and embarked on a 40^th anniversary tour in 2013.  They continue to tour, perform, and record.