Spartanburg, SC (3/26/22) – The Oak Ridge Boys are one of those iconic groups that I think a lot of people now just take for granted. They’ve been around forever it seems. With a history dating back to the 1940’s those assumptions aren’t necessarily wrong. The current lineup began coming together in the mid 1960’s as William Lee Golden and Duane Allen joined the group. In the early 1970’s Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban would complete the most well known and successful version that people have come to know. Originally an all gospel quartet the Boys would turn to country in the 70’s. Their successes have led to the group winning a lengthy list of awards and album sales for the nearly the last 50yrs.
With many groups who have sustained a career over multiple decades you find that they continue touring on success of old hits and nostalgia. The drive to put out new music just seems to stop. When you come to an Oak Ridge Boys show of course you will get the familiar songs such as “Elvira,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “American Made” and many more. However, the group has remained consistent in putting out new material for loyal fans to embrace. Tonight’s show at the Broome High School Auditorium would focus on some of that new music.
“Front Porch Singin’” is an album released on June 11, 2021 that focuses on the groups roots and gets back to the basics. As the band brought out stools taking a seat they explained how the intent of the album is meant to give the feel of exactly what the title states, just sitting on a porch out in the country singing songs. Beginning with an a cappella performance of their version of “Life’s Railway To Heaven” the group would go down the line featuring a backstory and song that featured each member from the album.
Joe Bonsall would lead into “Life Is Beautiful” staying that, “with the last two years we just needed a song of hope.” Duane Allen discussed a conversation with his wife about past times and future plans preluding “Old Ways” followed by Golden with “Love, Light and Healing.” Richard Sterban would round out the feature moment with a story of his time singing with Elvis. Explaining how he gained an appreciation for spirituals during that period the group would deliver their rendition of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”
Ending a the show with the upbeat “Bobbie Sue” the group greeted fans at the front of the stage. The joy these guys have on stage and appreciation is easily visible and only backs Allen’s statement earlier in the show, “we don’t know what life holds for us but we have no plans of retirement.” With that being said the band continues to put out multiple tour dates each year. Don’t sit back and miss out on seeing a phenomenal performance by true legends of music.
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Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
