New Music Video From The Oak Ridge Boys - "Come On Home"

New Music Video From Vince Gill & The Oak Ridge Boys - "Elvira" (Live at the Opry)

Duane Allen and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys join Vince Gill to perform “Elvira” in honor of the late Joe Bonsall during Vince’s recent Grand Ole Opry performance on July 13, 2024.

New Music Video From The Oak Ridge Boys - "Love, Light & Healing"

Opry Veteran and Legendary Session Guitarist Jimmy Capps Passes Away at 81

Musicians Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry veteran Jimmy Capps has passed away at age 81 due to health complications. After getting his start with The Louvin Brothers, Jimmy went on to become one of the most sought after session players in Nashville. Some of the incredible recordings you can hear Capps on are The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira,” “Sail Away,” Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," Barbara Mandrell’s “Sleeping Single In A Double Bed,” “I was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Ronnie Milsap’s “Smokey Mountain Rain,” and “Legend In My Time,” as well as other artists such as Janie Fricke, Lacy J. Dalton, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley, Johnny Paycheck, John Conlee and countless more. As a staff member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, Capps has remained a solid foundation in Music City and can be seen on Country’s Family Reunion and as “Sheriff” Jimmy Capps on Larry’s Country Diner. Jimmy was not only a musical prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Jimmy Capps.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my dear friend, Jimmy Capps. Jimmy was maybe the kindest and most considerate person I knew in the music business. A pro’s pro, he played an important role in many of my recordings and every Opry performance we ever played together. Rozene and I send our sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Michele and all of Jimmy’s family.” - Charley Pride

“The NEWS this morning about the passing of our dear friend Jimmy Capps has been devastating. In a time of darkness Jimmy was always a light. Like everyone else in Nashville Jimmy was a part of our music and our career and our lives!!! This will take a while to process... the Oak Ridge Boys will sure miss The Man In Back ... Until the DAY” - Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

“I have been singing professionally since I graduated from the university over 55 years ago. Jimmy Capps has been a part of my career from the beginning with The Oak Ridge Boys, starting with our gospel days and all the way through to some of our biggest hits. When you hear the guitar intro to “You're The One In A Million,” that is Jimmy Capps playing. Recently, I went to the Musicians Hall of Fame and saw a display honoring Jimmy Capps. In that display was the guitar that Jimmy played on “Elvira.” My wife, Norah Lee, has sung on the Grand Ole Opry for over 40 years. For most of those years, especially when the Opry was at the Ryman, Norah Lee has ridden with Jimmy and Michelle Capps to work. This is another gut punch for me personally, losing one of my very best friends. I ask that you remember Michelle and Jimmy's sons in your prayers. Today, there is a hole in the music industry, but Jimmy Capps’ contributions will stand the test of time. Rest in peace, Jimmy, in the arms of Jesus.” - Duane Allen / The Oak Ridge Boys

“When I first came to Nashville Jimmy Capps was already a fixture as one of the great guitar players. I worked with Jimmy many times and I got to know him and his wonderful wife Michele even better these last several years at the Opry. Jimmy was always ready with a smile, a kind word and a great guitar lick. I can’t imagine the Opry without Jimmy Capps. These crazy times are much sadder this morning.” - Crystal Gayle

“I am shocked and very saddened to hear that Jimmy Capps has passed away. He was on 90% of the songs that I’ve recorded and he can never be replaced. He was always one of the most authentic and genuine guys I’ve ever known and has accomplished so much in life. We are all so much better for knowing him. One thing that people will miss is looking over their shoulder and seeing Jimmy there. We will all miss you, Jimmy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Michele.” - B.J. Thomas

“I will cherish the memories of working so many shows and concerts with Jimmy Capps. I will miss his smiling face. Blessings and prayers to his family.” - Janie Fricke

“I have been blessed to work with Jimmy down through the years. He was a universally loved, Godly man, a double-super cool Nashville cat and you couldn’t ask for a better friend. Sheila and I pray for Michelle and the rest of his family at this time. Rest in peace, pal.” – T. Graham Brown

“Sending our love and prayers to Michele Capps. Just heard of the passing of Nashville musician Jimmy Capps. His musicianship was heard at the Grand Ole Opry, Country’s Family Reunion, and as The Sheriff on Larry’s Country Diner. I’ve sailed many music cruises with Jimmy, and I know he was so honored to be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He was always humble and kind, and will be missed by many. Rest In Sweet Peace Jimmy Capps.” - Rhonda Vincent

“I am heartbroken over the loss of our great friend Jimmy Capps. He was and always will be a country music icon. It was an honor and privilege to work with him and call him my friend. He was such an amazingly gifted musician, sweet spirit, tender-hearted and beautiful soul! I know Jesus has welcomed Jimmy with open arms into his Heavenly home. My prayers are with Michele & the family. Rest In Peace Jimmy. We love you.” – Deborah Allen

“What a way to wake up this morning. I just got the message that Jimmy Capps passed away last night. I lost my sister last week and this feels like I lost another family member now. I can’t believe he’s gone. Sending prayers for Michele and their family.” - Johnny Lee

“Jimmy, was so incredibly talented; his playing came from endless experiences - he always knew “what to play” and always elevated the music - just having him in the room made the music sound better. A sweet, sensitive soul who will be greatly missed.” - Michael Bonagura / Baillie & The Boys

“I loved Jimmy Capps. He was one of my mentors. I played alongside him in the studio and at the Grand Ole Opry for over four decades. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can see him walking through the Opry artist entrance, guitar case in hand. He walked slowly--with purpose. He was there to put on the best show he could. He loved the music. It was his life. He was the best rhythm guitar player I have EVER worked with. He was a perfectionist. As good as he was, he continued to practice and hone. That's what made him so damn good. You could always count on him to know what to play and where to play it. We shared stories and secrets. There were times he treated me like a brother. There were times he treated me like a son. But every time we were together, he treated me like a friend. R.I.P, James D. Thank you for being such a great teacher. I learned from the best--Timbo.” - Tim Atwood

"I'll always cherish the memories of any time that I was blessed to share the stage with Jimmy Capps. He is the epitome of a classic country music guitarist and one of the nicest people I ever met. RIP Jimmy Capps - we all love you dearly!" - Shane Owens

“My thoughts are with the family of Opry Legend/guitarist Mr Jimmy Capps. What an incredible legacy he will leave behind. One of Nashville’s most well respected guitarists. I had the honor of meeting him backstage at the Opry last year. He was soft-spoken and so humble. I will never forget asking him “How many times have you played the Opry in your career?” He looked at me and grinned and said “way too many to count ha ha!” - Treasured memory of Jimmy. God bless him.” - J.D. Shelburne

New Music Video From The Oak Ridge Boys - "Amazing Grace"

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute To Charlie Daniels To Feature Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Many More

Album: Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute To Charlie Daniels (Live)
Label: Blackbird Productions
Release date: October 12, 2018

Since 1974, Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s greatest performers to raise money for a special cause. Now, 43 years later, friends, fans, and an extraordinary lineup of musicians came together for a very special night honoring music legend Charlie Daniels — Volunteer Jam XX held on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018.

Charlie Daniels has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists – from Elvis Presley to Bob Dylan – and with The Charlie Daniels Band has created such memorable hits as “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and of course, the signature “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a GRAMMY® for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Daniels is also a tireless supporter of the men and women who serve the United States military.

“Charlie has had an enormous impact on American culture through his dedication to supporting our troops, founding the unique southern sound that we know and love, and creating the unforgettable Volunteer Jam legacy,” says Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents. “I am honored to be producing this year’s Jam alongside Charlie’s longtime manager, David Corlew.”

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 43 years since the CDB and some of our friends got together at War Memorial Auditorium for what was supposed to be a live recording session, a one-time happening that took on a life of its own and was to become known worldwide as The Volunteer Jam. I am extremely honored and excited to have this year’s Jam documented by Blackbird Presents. Gonna be a great night at the Volunteer Jam!”
The show raised money for The Journey Home Project, a non-profit Daniels co-founded to support veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

1. Trudy (Live)  by  Blackberry Smoke
2. Brand New Star (Live) by Oak Ridge Boys
3. Sweet Louisiana (Live) by Brent Cobb
4. Evangeline (Live) by Sara Evans
5. Simple Man (Live) by Justin Moore
6. (What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks (Live) by Chris Janson
7. Texas (Live) by The Steep Canyon Rangers
8. My Town (Live) by  Eddie Montgomery
9. The Legend Of Wooley Swamp (Live) by Lee Brice
10. Blue Sky (Live) by Devon Allman & Duane Betts & Chuck Leavell
11. Midnight Rider (Live) by Devon Allman & Duane Betts & Chuck Leavell
12. Sweet Home Alabama (Live) by  Lynyrd Skynyrd
13. Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde (Live) by Travis Tritt
14. It's A Great Day To Be Alive (Live) by Travis Tritt
15. Drinkin My Baby Goodbye (Live) by Chris Young
16. We Had It All One Time (Live) by Ricky Skaggs
17. La Grange (Live) by Billy F Gibbons
18. The South's Gonna Do It Again (Live) by Alabama
19. Mountain Music (Live) by Alabama
20. Tennessee Fiddlin' Man (Live) by Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band
21. The Devil Went Down To Georgia (Live) by Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band
22. One Way Out (Live) by Steep Canyon Rangers & Devon Allman & Blackberry Smoke & Oak Ridge Boys & Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band & Alabama & Duane Betts & Billy F Gibbons 

New Music Video From The Oak Ridge Boys - "Pray To Jesus"

New Music Video From The Oak Ridge Boys with "Brand New Star"- New Album To Hit In March

Country Music Hall of Fame members, Grand Ole Opry members, and five-time GRAMMY winning group, The Oak Ridge Boys announce the release of their Lightning Rod Records forthcoming project 17th Avenue Revival, produced by critically-acclaimed producer Dave Cobb on March 16. This is the group’s second project with Cobb, who produced the Oaks’ celebrated The Boys Are Back album released in 2009.
 
“Having been in The Oak Ridge Boys for almost 52 years,” says Duane Allen, “it can be difficult for me to imagine a place where we have not been. However, Dave Cobb had that vision, and the result is 17th Avenue Revival.”

“Old roads turned into new roads on this album,” adds Oaks’ member Joe Bonsall.

For the new project, Cobb’s vision for the group was to dig way back into their roots of gospel music. But a different kind of gospel. One that took a hard look at the early days of rock and roll, which was influenced by spiritual, or black gospel.

Under Cobb’s direction, they touched on uncharted territory—and for a long-tenured act like The Oak Ridge Boys, that’s saying something. Somewhat retro, yet new and fresh at the same time, there was no vocal stacking and very few overdubs. For two of the songs, the Boys gathered around one microphone and let the harmonies shine, just as Dave Cobb had planned initially.

“Legendary Studio A on 17th Avenue South became a special, almost spiritual place, and for a few weeks it served as a beacon of creativity,” says Allen. The result is a recording that will go down in history, for old and new fans alike.

“Dave brought music with spirit and a magical feel to the studio. It became a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual revival for The Oak Ridge Boys,” says the groups’ William Lee Golden.

“17th Avenue Revival is something we believe our fans will love,” adds bass singer Richard Sterban.
 
Track Listing:
1. Brand New Star (Aaron Raitiere & Mando Saenz)
2. There Will Be Light (Jamey Johnson, Larry Shell & Buddy Cannon)
3. God’s Got It (Charlie Jackson)
4. I’d Rather Have Jesus (Rhea Miller & George Beverly Shea)
5. Walk In Jerusalem (Traditional /Public Domain)
6. Where He Leads Me I Will Follow (Ernest W. Blandy / Public Domain)
7. Pray To Jesus (Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally)
8. If I Die (Ashley Monroe & Vince Gill)
9. Let It Shine On Me (Vince Gill & Ashley Monroe)

New Music Video From Blake Shelton - "Doing It To Country Songs"

May Release Of Blake Shelton's If I'm Honest Unveiled

Artist: Blake Shelton
Album: If I'm Honest
Label: Warner Nashville
Release date: May 20, 2016

Blake Shelton will release his 12th studio album, If I’m Honest, on May 20 via Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville. The project’s leading single is “Came Here To Forget,” penned by Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan.

“This is the most excited I’ve been about a new album since the release of my second record,” said Shelton. Reflecting on “Came Here To Forget,” Shelton said, “I’ve had a lot of music over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a song before that’s such a direct look into my life.”

“I’ve written more than I’ve written in 15 years, for obvious reasons — all the awful things that have happened in my personal life — but the way the year ended is also the greatest of my life,” Shelton told Country Countdown USA. “When people hear this record, they may not know what happened to me, but they’re gonna know how I felt about it. And that’s exciting for me, to just lay it out there for people.”

Earlier this year in a post on social media, Shelton revealed that his new disc will feature a collaboration with the Oak Ridge Boys. Shelton called the recording session “literally magic.”
 

Interview Flashback- Behind Ba-Oom Papa Oom Papa Mow Mow- Richard Sterban From The Oak Ridge Boys

I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in September 2009 on The 9513.

Throughout the history of country music, there has been a handful of defining voices on historical songs that have forever etched themselves permanently onto the radio dial. Few have been more identifiable than the bass singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, Richard Sterban. His “ba-oom papa oom papa mow mow” background singing on the best-selling record in Nashville recording history, “Elvira,” is one of those etchings. 

The Oak Ridge Boys are one of those groups that nearly anyone in or out of country music recognizes. Between 1976 and 1989, they had 17 number one Billboard country music hits with such standards as “Fancy Free,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” “This Crazy Love,” and “No Matter How High.” When added to a career that includes other popular singles such as “Ya’ll Come Back Saloon” and “Thank God For Kids,” the four key components of the Oak Ridge Boys are easily and undeniably one of the most popular bands of their generation. 

Fast forward to 2009, and the band has released a brand new album for Spring Hill Records called The Boys Are Back.  Shooter Jennings, the son of the late country music legend Waylon Jennings, brought them together to sing back-up on his album, The Wolf.  It was here that they met a producer that took them on a new musical journey. When asked about the album's content, bass singer Richard Sterban commented, "If there's something I could compare this to, it would be what Johnny Cash did in the later part of his career.”  

Ken Morton, Jr.- So just how many “ba-oom papa oom papa mow mow’s” have you sung over the years?

Richard Sterban- (laughing)- That’s an interesting question- one I don’t think I’ve been asked before. A lot of times, people ask me to sing “ba-oom papa oom papa mow mow.” I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me how many times I’ve done it. I don’t think there’s even a way for me to begin to count- even imagine- how many times I’ve done it over the years. That is by far the most requested and most played song the Oak Ridge Boys have ever had. Of course “ba-oom papa oom papa mow mow” is my part of the song.
I’m asked to do it a lot and over the years, its had to have been so many thousands of times. Hopefully, I’ll just be doing it a lot more into the future as well. It’s still the largest selling single record ever to be recorded in Nashville. To this day, it’s something that we’re excited about.

KMJ- I’ve always wondered something. On a career-defining song like “Elvira,” it obviously is viewed as a blessing, but I could also see it somewhat overshadowing a career’s worth of recording. Any thoughts about that?

RS- I think it’s obvious that the Oak Ridge Boys are a lot more than just “Elvira.” There’s no question about that. We’ve just had too many good records over the years and some really good “meaningful” records over the years. A song like “Thank God For Kids” comes to mind. That’s probably one of the more meaningful songs we’ve ever cut. At the same time, I don’t think “Elvira” shadows any of the other music. I think “Elvira” is simply the song that makes people want to come hear us to start with. And then they get a chance to hear all of our other stuff as well. I think it works together pretty well. Believe me, though, if we had a chance to go record another “Elvira,” we’d jump at the chance. I think anyone in the music business would tell you the same thing. If you were able to look at any record that big, of course we would- anyone would- want to do it again. Hopefully over the years, we’ve combined the popular stuff like “Elvira” and the meaningful stuff and meshed them together into something wonderful. 
  
KMJ- You guys have sold over 30 million records. How do you measure success these days, is it still by record sales, live shows or something else entirely?

RS- The thing that we’re most excited about is that after all of these years, we’re still doing this. I’ve been an Oak Ridge Boy for 36 years. Joe Bonsall came about a year after I did- he and I have been doing this 35 or 36 years together. And William Lee Golden and Duane Allen have been in the group for over 40 years. So the fact that we’ve been able to do this for this long and experience this kind of longevity in the music business is pretty phenomenal. It’s pretty mind-boggling, actually. So many of the country music acts that were our contemporaries have retired. But we have not. The Oak Ridge Boys have no plans on retiring. We’re still having fun doing this. We love everything about our career. We still enjoy taking our music live to our audience. It’s still the most fun thing that we do. Most days, when we are on the road, we live for that night to get up on stage and do our music live. It’s because even after all these years, it’s what we love doing. You’d find that all of us thoroughly enjoy the creative process, too. We love getting into the recording studio and creating new music. Then that new music creates a new exciting component to our live shows. That new music added to our big hits adds to the show and makes for a great concert. The fact that we are doing it after all these years, and still doing it at this level, it speaks volumes. We may not get the radio airplay that we were used to and that might not always transfer to the kind of record sales that we would like to have, but I think we’ve learned to be innovative over the years. There’s more than one way to skin a cat. With all the ways that are open to market music on the internet now, we’ve tried to be innovative there. And our music is still selling very well. 

KMJ- You have a brand new album out called The Boys Are Back. What was the theme or mission behind the album?

RS- Shooter Jennings had a lot to do with making this project a reality. About 2 years ago, he called us and asked us to sing on a song on his album called The Wolf. There’s a song on there called “Slow Train.” He called and asked us if we’d like to sing and we said, “Sure!” We’d jump at the chance to work with a guy like Shooter Jennings. We remember Shooter when he was just a boy hanging out at the studio with his dad while we were recording. Now that Shooter is all grown up and has a thriving career of his own, we were glad to do it. It was very ironic that we went to the same studio here in Nashville right on Music Row where his father recorded and the original outlaw movement was started. It’s a historic place. And we had a great time hanging out with Shooter. While we were recording that project, we met Shooter’s young producer, a guy by the name of David Cobb. We hit it off with David and he took a liking to us. When the project finally came out we went and did a showcase with Shooter and the place, City Hall, was packed. It was packed with a younger audience, a younger audience than what we normally draw out. We did “Slow Train” with Shooter and the place went crazy. Then we did “Elvira” and surprisingly, they knew every word to the song and they were singing right along with us. We had a great time there that night. The album was born that night with this new young producer with the thought that we might do something different from what we’ve been doing in the past. We worked it out with our label and he was able to come produce our project, The Boys Are Back.  He had a vision for us that was a little different from what we’ve been doing. He saw us as a true blue American act with an ability to do a lot of different kinds of music. That’s what he tried to do on this project. The very first song he sent off to us was a version of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” He said that he wanted us to do this song. Instead of doing the instrumental parts with instruments, he wanted us to do the instrumental parts vocally. We thought, “Wow, this might be an interesting thing to do.” When we heard that song, we knew it was going to be something different. None of us on our own would have chosen “Seven Nation Army.” He started bringing in other material to us. He brought in John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom.” He brought in some beautiful ballads. He had us do Neil Young’s “Beautiful Bluebird” which is a totally different direction. He even found this old spiritual that was so old that it was written before copyrights. He actually had to go to the Smithsonian Institute to find the original lyrics to this song. It’s the coolest thing on the record- an old spiritual called “Troublin’ Mind.” Jamey Johnson wrote a great ole song for us called “Mama’s Table.” Jamey, as you know, is one of the hottest things in our business. There’s downright country on this album, there’s some gospel, there’s rock and roll and there’s beautiful ballads. There’s even some blues. It’s a great example of what the Oak Ridge Boys are all about. David really found the heart and soul of the Oak Ridge Boys in this new project. 

KMJ- You’ve always walked down a fine line between gospel and country music. Has that line blended at all over the years or do you see it more divided than ever?

RS- I don’t think there’s a division at all. For us, I don’t think there ever was. We just recently did a project with Bill Gaither. Bill Gaither is one of the most successful people ever in gospel music. I think there’s something about gospel music and country music that go hand in hand. In some ways, especially for us, it’s difficult to separate the two. We’ve had a lot of success over the years combining these two forms of music. We all grew up singing gospel, it is part of our heritage. We still, to this day, include gospel in every one of our shows. We’re a country music act first, but we still believe strongly in everything gospel. 

KMJ- Any thoughts or hopes of making it into the Country Music Hall Of Fame someday?

RS- I think it’s an honor that we would all love to have, to be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. And I think someday it will happen, hopefully it’s just a matter of time. When I look at every one that is in the Country Music Hall Of Fame and every one that is not in there yet, I think the people who are responsible for choosing who is elected to the Hall Of Fame will look at the Oak Ridge Boys. I think we’ve accomplished enough in this industry of country music. I think we’ve made enough of a contribution to the industry in general. I think it’s something that will eventually happen. I think it’s an honor we hopefully deserve and something we’d all be honored to see happen sometime in the future. 

KMJ- Over the years, there’s been lots of moving parts in and out of the Oak Ridge Boys, but the current four members have spent an amazing 152 total years as part of the group. Do you foresee a time when you or the four of you aren’t part of the group but it moves forward?

RS- That’s an interesting question too. In the short term, in the near future, I do not foresee that happening. I think we have to be realistic and realize that nothing lasts forever- even the Oak Ridge Boys. But we are all in extremely good health. I think health is the key to our future. As long as the good Lord blesses us with good health, I think you’ll keep seeing us doing this thing. We plan on going back into the studio next year and recording some new music. It’s still what we all love doing after all these years. We love doing this- none of us have plans of retiring any time soon. None of us can fathom in our minds anything we’d rather be doing than this. 

KMJ- I know you were a part-owner of the Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball team for nearly 30 years, how did that come about and what has baseball meant to you in your life?

RS- I think everyone that is successful has to have some kind of diversion and I think baseball is my diversion in life. I’m a huge sports fan and I love all kinds of sports. I love to watch the Titans go play. I love to watch Vanderbilt basketball. But I especially love baseball. When I was three years old, my uncle took me to my very first baseball game and it was an experience that hooked me on the sport. I’ve been hooked ever since. When professional baseball was brought back here to Nashville I was able to buy in and for 30 years, I was able to call myself an owner of a baseball team. It was something that was near and dear to me. This year we had new owners that came into Nashville, and they bought us all out. So I’m no longer an owner. But because of my love of baseball and the Sounds, they have made me the official team ambassador for the Nashville Sounds. So I can still walk around the place still like I own part of the place. I still go to batting practice. I get to hang out with the players. I even cut a radio spot for the club for the local radio stations. So my heart and soul is still very much there. I have many fond memories over the year of my ownership and involvement with the Nashville Sounds. I’ve gotten to know many players over the years and feel like I had a very little part of getting to the bigs. I’ll be going out to watch Vanderbilt baseball fall practice pretty soon. I’ve gotten to know Tim Corbin, the head coach, real well. He even came to one of our recording sessions on the last album. It’s something that’s very much part of me. 

KMJ- What is country music to the Oak Ridge Boys?

RS- I think country music is our life. It really is. It’s just what we are and what we are all about. We’ve been very blessed and fortunate to have a great deal of success singing country music. We can look back on a great career and a great many accomplishments in country music. But at the same time, we’re still excited about our future. We still look forward to what lies ahead of us. We’ll be doing 150 to 160 dates a year and we’re already booking dates for 2011. The business has been very very good to us over the years and hopefully we’ve done everything to contribute something back. Hopefully people remember us for that. We’re four gentlemen that are very fortunate to be where we’ve been for all these years. We’re more blessed than most people in this life and country music has everything to do with that.  

New Live Opry Performance Music Video From Little Big Town and Oak Ridge Boys- "Elvira"

Home Free To Release New Country A Cappella Album In September

Artist: Home Free
Album: Country Evolution
Label: Columbia
Release date: Sep. 18, 2015

Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Chris Rupp, Tim Foust and Adam Rupp. Country Evolution is the third studio album from the country quintet and winners of NBC s "The Sing-Off" Season 4. The high-energy album featuring their trademark tight harmonies is produced by longtime collaborator Darren Rust, and features 11 tracks and special guests Charlie Daniels, Oak Ridge Boys and YouTube star Taylor Davis.

Since being crowned "The Sing-Off" victors, Home Free has made their mark on the music scene with selling more than 150,000 copies of their first two studio albums, embarking on two major tours and amassing over 40 million YouTube views.

Founded by brothers Chris and Adam Rupp during their college years in the early 2000s, Home Free had been perfecting their sound and show for years prior to NBC s The Sing-Off --performing together for packed crowds at major fairs, colleges and theaters. It was their experience on the road that carried them to a Sing-Off victory, building their fan base and bringing their homegrown country style into the national spotlight. For the five talented singers based in Minnesota, their win was a satisfying culmination of nearly a decade of hard work and commitment to their vocal craft
 

 

The Browns, Grady Martin and the Oak Ridge Boys Make 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame Class

The Country Music Association announced three newly elected inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Jim Ed Brown and the Browns will be inducted in the Veteran’s Era category.  The late Grady Martin will be inducted as a Recording and/or Touring Musician active prior to 1980.  The Oak Ridge Boys will be the 2015 inductee in the Modern Era category.

These artists will be inducted during a special Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater later this year. During the Medallion Ceremony, friends and colleagues pay tribute to each inductee through words and song. Bronze plaques honoring each inductee are unveiled, to be displayed later in the museum’s Rotunda.

For more than sixty years, Jim Ed Brown has maintained a solid reputation as a versatile country performer, radio and television host, and recording artist. On the air, on disc, and in personal appearances, he has extended the smooth-singing tradition established by country stars such as Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, and Jim Reeves. With the Browns—a trio he formed with sisters Maxine and Bonnie—as a solo artist, and as a duet singer, he placed hits in the country charts from 1954 into the early 1980s. Through his recordings and his performances on the Grand Ole Opry, many of these hits have become standards.

James Edward Brown began singing with his sisters in school programs and at church functions when the siblings were teenagers in southwestern Arkansas. In 1952, Maxine entered Jim Ed in a talent contest organized by radio station KLRA in Little Rock, on the program Dutch O’Neal’s Barnyard Frolic. Although a harmonica player took first prize, Jim Ed was asked to join the cast, Maxine quickly followed suit. Within two years, the duo was singing on the regionally prominent Louisiana Hayride, broadcast by Shreveport radio outlet KWKH. Using a KWKH studio, Maxine and Jim Ed recorded their original song “Looking Back to See” for Fabor Records, in March 1954. That summer the record became a Top Ten hit on Billboard’s country charts. Soon Jim Ed and Maxine moved up to KWTO’s Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri.

After Bonnie joined the act in 1955, the trio’s rendition of “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow” also cracked Billboard’s country Top Ten. RCA Records, one of the music industry’s major labels, signed the Browns, and during 1956–57, they scored Top Five hits with “I Take the Chance” and “I Heard the Bluebirds Sing.”

Legendary guitarist Grady Martin was a member of Nashville’s original “A-Team” of studio musicians. Whether playing the fiddle or the guitar—electric, acoustic, or six-string electric bass—his versatility and creativity helped to make hits of many records from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Thomas Grady Martin was fifteen when he became the fiddler for Nashville’s Big Jeff & the Radio Playboys. In 1946 Martin briefly joined Paul Howard’s western swing-oriented Arkansas Cotton Pickers as half of Howard’s “twin guitar” ensemble, along with Robert “Jabbo” Arrington. After Howard left the Grand Ole Opry, Opry newcomer Little Jimmy Dickens hired several former Cotton Pickers as his original Country Boys band. Martin backed Dickens in the studio, though he seldom toured with Dickens.

Martin’s role as studio guitarist yielded numerous memorable moments. It was he who played the throbbing leads on Johnny Horton’s 1956 hit “Honky-Tonk Man” and the exquisite acoustic guitar fills on Marty Robbins’s 1959 crossover smash “El Paso” and Lefty Frizzell’s 1964 hit “Saginaw, Michigan.” One of his most famous sessions involved an accidental preamplifier malfunction, when Martin played the distorted “fuzz” guitar solo on Robbins’s 1960 hit “Don’t Worry.” Producers often designated Martin as “session leader,” which meant that he directed the impromptu arrangements that became a trademark of Nashville recording and often became the de facto producer. Columbia A&R man Don Law used Martin in this capacity for years.

Martin continued to play sessions through the 1970s, working extensively with Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, and producing country-rock band Brush Arbor. His signature lead parts helped to make a hit of Jeanne Pruett’s 1973 “Satin Sheets.” Martin eventually returned to performing, first with Jerry Reed and then with Willie Nelson’s band, with whom he worked from 1980 to 1994.

By injecting gospel-based, four-part harmonies and exciting live shows into country music, the Oak Ridge Boys helped pave the way for the many vocal groups that followed them. From 1977 to 1987, with a lineup of Duane Allen, lead; William Lee Golden, baritone; Richard Sterban, bass; and Joe Bonsall, tenor – they notched twenty-six Top Ten hits (including fifteen #1s), sold millions of records, won numerous industry awards, filled top-tier performance venues, and notched Top Twenty pop hits with “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.”

Prior to 1977, the Oaks had been a gospel act for more than thirty years. They began in 1945 as the Oak Ridge Quartet, a gospel ensemble within Wally Fowler’s country group, the Georgia Clodhoppers. The original quartet consisted of Fowler, lead; Curly Kinsey, bass; Lon “Deacon” Freeman, baritone; and Johnny New, tenor. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in September 1945.
In 1962, the Oak Ridge Quartet became the Oak Ridge Boys. Golden joined the group in 1965, Allen in 1966, Sterban in 1972, and Bonsall in 1973. By then, they had won a dozen gospel music Dove Awards as well as a Grammy. They signed with Columbia Records to broaden their audience, but three albums of “message” music produced two singles that didn’t make the country charts. Having removed themselves from the gospel world, the Oaks were struggling mightily to make waves in commercial country music.

Conventional industry wisdom held that there was room for only one gospel-rooted vocal quartet in country music (the Statler Brothers), but record executive Jim Foglesong was impressed with the Oak Ridge Boys’ versatility and range, and he signed them to ABC/Dot (later absorbed by MCA) in 1977. The group’s initial ABC/Dot single, the Sharon Vaughn-penned “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” was a country radio hit that sparked a remarkable run that included chart-toppers such as “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “American Made,” “Fancy Free,” I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” and “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend.”

In 1987, William Lee Golden was replaced by Steve Sanders, a former child star in gospel music who was, at the time, the rhythm guitarist in the Oaks’ band. In 1996, Golden returned to the group, which remains a touring and recording force.

A Case For The Next 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees

Election to the Country Music Hall of Fame is country music's highest honor. The Country Music Association (CMA), the country music industry's trade organization, created the accolade to recognize significant contributions to the advancement of country music by individuals in both the creative and business communities. The first members-Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams-were inducted in 1961.

It’s also quite possibly one of the more debatable arguments in country music. Each time a column is posted here (or on sites such as The 9513 and Engine 145 that I contribute to as well), omissions are complained about and oversights are pleaded. And as we turn the page, let’s start the debate on who will be selected for this year’s class.

In 2009, the Hall changed the way it categorizes its selectees. Three new members will continue to be inducted every year, with one each coming from the new categories, which will be renamed and defined as follows:

Modern Era: An artist becomes eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieve national prominence. They will remain eligible for that category for the next 25 years. This replaces the former “Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present” category.

Veterans Era: An artist becomes eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieve national prominence. This combines the former “Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975″ (which was voted on annually) and “Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II” (which was voted on every third year in rotation) categories into one.

Rotating Categories: The third slot will continue to be a rotating category, with each group in the spotlight every third year. The Recording and/or Touring Musician and Non Performer slots will remain, joined by a new Songwriter category. 2014’s selection will come from the songwriter category.

These are the ones that we believe should be inducted- and hopefully not posthumously for those still alive on this list.

10. John Denver- Might as well start with the most controversial first. In 1975, previous Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich set fire to Denver’s winning envelope rather than announce the win. Some considered it a statement against country pop and the Music Row-controlled Nashville Sound. But looking closer, he was one of the top album sellers in the 70’s, won several country music awards, 2 Grammys, and his hits “Take Me Home”, “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are sing-along standards.

9. Jerry Reed- The CMHOF has a history of inviting comedians and actors (Minnie Pearl) and Jerry Reed belongs in. Jerry Reed, was an country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter and actor who appeared in over a dozen films. As a singer, he may be best known for Amos Moses, and When You're Hot, You're Hot, for which he received a Grammy in 1972 and East Bound and Down, the theme song to the film Smokey and the Bandit in which he portrayed the "Snowman", Cledus Snow.

8. Charlie Daniels- The man who made southern country/rock a new genre, he should be in for his fiddling ability alone. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” is quite possibly the most recognizable country song ever recorded- he’s been a music hero for close to 40 years.

7. The Judds- As one of the most successful acts in country music history, Wynonna and Naomi Judd won five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and eight Country Music Association awards. The duo also charted twenty-five singles on the country music charts between 1983 and 2000, fourteen of which went to Number One and six more of which made Top Ten on the same chart.

6. Randy Travis- Travis has recorded more than a dozen important studio albums and single-handedly started the neo-traditionalist movement in the 80’s. He charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which sixteen have reached Number One.

5. Dallas Frazier (tie)- Frazier is the songwriter’s songwriter.His tunes were recorded by George Jones (who recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1968), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jack Greene, Connie Smith (who also recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1972), Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Carola, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Elvis Presley, Moe Bandy, Roy Head, Rodney Crowell, Dan McCafferty, and Ronnie Hawkins. Many of the songs became hits into the 1980s; examples include the Oak Ridge Boys cover of "Elvira" and Emmylou Harris's version of "Beneath Still Waters". Anne Murray with Glen Campbell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless have all also recorded Frazier tunes.

5. Hank Cochran (tie)- This being a songwriter year category, another great candidate that should be considered for selection is the veritable everyman songwriter Hank Cochran. Eddy Arnold, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Mickey Gilley, Vern Gosdin, Merle Haggard, Burl Ives, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Norah Jones, Loretta Lynn, Henry Mancini, Dean Martin, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley, Johnny Paycheck, Elvis Presley, Ray Price, Jim Reeves, Linda Ronstadt, Dinah Shore, Nancy Sinatra, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr, Lee Ann Womack, and Keith Whitley are just some of the artists who have cut Cochran-penned tunes. The only melancholy part of this selection would be that Cochran passed away back in 2010.

4. Oak Ridge Boys- While their history dates back much further, they had a run of twelve years from 1977 to 1989 where they were THE band until they gave way to Alabama. Can anyone NOT sing all the words to their biggest hit Elvira?

3. Alan Jackson- An accomplished songwriter, Jackson wrote much of his first album, which remained on the U.S. country charts for more than a year. His next two albums, Don't Rock the Jukebox (1991) and A Lot About Livin' (and a Little 'Bout Love) (1992) were even bigger hits, spawning five No.1 singles each. Notable among these hits were "Love's Got a Hold on You," "Midnight in Montgomery" (Jackson's tribute to the legendary country star Hank Williams), and "Chattahoochee." With the 1994 release of his fifth album, Who I Am, Jackson's record sales reached a total of over 10 million. Throughout the course of his career, Jackson has been honored with over 45 awards from organizations like the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association (CMA). He released his Greatest Hits album in 1995 and won eight major awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year.

2. Hank Williams, Jr.- He is another long overdue selection. He had two careers, each of them probably worthy of induction. His early standards Eleven Roses are just as HOF-worthy as his later standards like Family Tradition. Put him in with a plaque right next to his father.

1. Ronnie Milsap- One of the top recording artists of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ronnie Milsap is credited with forty number-one songs on the country charts, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty. 40. Amazing career.

Consideration should also be given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, Dwight Yoakam, the Wilburn Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Linda Ronstadt, Larry Gatlin, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss & Union Station (someday), Crystal Gayle, Rose Maddox, Tanya Tucker, Anne Murray and Brooks and Dunn. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.

New Oak Ridge Boys Live Album Coming Out In Feb 2014 Called Boys Night Out

Oak Ridge Boys' Jon Bonsall unveiled in a blog post on his website this last week that the quartet will be releasing a new live album in February 2014 entitled Boys Night Out.

"We have recorded some relevant music over the last few years, including a top notch live recording that will release in February of 2014—yes, 2014, who would have thunk it!—called THE OAK RIDGE BOYS: BOYS NIGHT OUT"

The guys have been recording together for four decades together and Bonsall goes on to say:

"I joined this group in October of 1973. I was 25 years old. It is now October of 2013, and I am 65. Although we are celebrating 40 years of singing together all year this year, it is only now technically correct.

Richard Sterban joined the Oaks in 1972. Duane Allen in 1966. And William Lee Golden in 1965. All of this is quite amazing to me and, if we were to decide to end it all right now, music history buffs would have to shake their collective heads at what we have accomplished over the past four decades. It is quite the résumé for certain, and we continue to put stones on the mountain every single day."

 

The Oak Ridge Boys Schedule Gospel Back Home Again For May Release

The Oak Ridge Boys began their career in 1945 as a gospel quartet known as Oak Ridge Quartet. The majority of their success came after they changed their name and began making country music in 1977. Over that time, they have released more than 30 albums in their 60 year career. On May 22, 2012, they'll return to their roots with the release of their all-new gospel album called Back Home Again.

From the press release:

With an award-winning legacy of stellar recordings, The Oak Ridge Boys once again raise the standard for themselves in this all-new anthology of beloved gospel classics. Featuring fresh, acoustic-driven arrangements of favorites, The Oak Ridge Boys breathe new life into time-tested gospel standards with their seasoned country sound and energetic four-part harmonies. Back Home Again is a keepsake for both gospel music listeners and Oak Ridge Boys fans alike.

Track Listing:

1. Lead Me To That Rock

2. Back Home Again

3. Led Out Of Bondage

4. I Get To

5. In That Great Getting Up Mornin

6. Why Me

7. Standing In The Need Of Prayer

8. Coat Of Many Colors

9. The Love Of God

10. River Of Jordan

11. If We Ever Needed The Lord Before We Sure Do Need Him Now

12. Heaven Bound

Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2012 To Be Announced Tomorrow- Who Should Get In?

Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow is the announcement of what three artists will be the next inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. 


Reba McEntire, Bobby Braddock, and Jean Shepard were announced as the latest members to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame- the class of 2011.

Those three are extremely deserving and very worthy candidates. But there are others that should be in as well- and not posthumously.


While I have absolutely no say in the matter, I would like rerun a column that I wrote this past June- a list of the music acts I believe to the most deserving to be inducted into The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame.


10. John Denver- Might as well start with the most controversial first. In 1975, previous Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich set fire to Denver’s winning envelope rather than announce the win. Some considered it a statement against country pop and the Music Row-controlled Nashville Sound. But looking closer, he was one of the top album sellers in the 70’s, won several country music awards, 2 Grammys, and his hits “Take Me Home”, “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are sing-along standards.


9.Jerry Reed- The CMHOF has a history of inviting comedians and actors (Minnie Pearl) and Jerry Reed belongs in. Jerry Reed, was an country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter and actor who appeared in over a dozen filmsAs a singer, he may be best known for Amos Moses, and When You're Hot, You're Hot, for which he received a Grammy in 1972 and East Bound and Down, the theme song to the film Smokey and the Bandit in which he portrayed the "Snowman", Cledus Snow.


8. (tie) Charlie Daniels- The man who made southern country/rock a new genre, he should be in for his fiddling ability alone. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” is quite possibly the most recognizable country song ever recorded- he’s been a music hero for close to 40 years.


8. (tie) The Judds- As one of the most successful acts in country music history, Wynonna and Naomi Judd won five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and eight Country Music Association awards. The duo also charted twenty-five singles on the country music charts between 1983 and 2000, fourteen of which went to Number One and six more of which made Top Ten on the same chart.


7. Randy Travis- Travis has recorded more than a dozen important studio albums and single-handedly started the neo-traditionalist movement in the 80’s. He charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which sixteen have reached Number One.


6. Dallas Frazier- Frazier is the songwriter’s songwriter.His tunes were recorded by George Jones (who recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1968), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jack Greene, Connie Smith (who also recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1972), Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Carola, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Elvis Presley, Moe Bandy, Roy Head, Rodney Crowell, Dan McCafferty, and Ronnie Hawkins. Many of the songs became hits into the 1980s; examples include the Oak Ridge Boys cover of "Elvira" and Emmylou Harris's version of "Beneath Still Waters". Anne Murray with Glen Campbell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless have all also recorded Frazier tunes.


5. (tie) Oak Ridge Boys- While their history dates back much further, they had a run of twelve years from 1977 to 1989 where they were THE band until they gave way to Alabama. Can anyone NOT sing all the words to their biggest hit Elvira?


5. (tie) Connie Smith- Still possessing one of Nashville’s most beautiful voices to this day, Smith’s recording of “Once A Day” became the first debut single in country music history by a female artist to reach number one, a record that Smith maintained for the next 25 years. She was a fixture on country radio in the second half of the 60’s and most of the 70’s.


4. Hank Williams Jr.- He is another long overdue selection. He had two careers, each of them probably worthy of induction. His early standards Eleven Roses are just as HOF-worthy as his later standards like Family Tradition. Put him in with a plaque right next to his father.


3. Garth Brooks- He’s the youngest of the bunch but has done more single-handedly to raise the popularity of country music more than any other artist since Johnny Cash. And that’s pretty good company. With more albums sold than any other artist EVER, he’s a no-brainer.


2. Ronnie Milsap- One of the top recording artists of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ronnie Milsap is credited with forty number-one songs on the country charts, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty. 40. Amazing career.

1. Kenny Rogers- I’ve already made my case here at That Nashville Sound. They’ve waited too long already for The Gambler.


Consideration should also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns,  the Wilburn Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Alison Krauss & Union Station (someday), Crystal Gayle, Rose Maddox, Tanya Tucker, Anne Murray, Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.

Songwriter George Green Passes Away

Songwriter George Michael Green passed away yesterday after a long battle with lung cancer. Green went to school with John Mellencamp in Seymour, Indiana and as a result, was a frequent collaborator with him. They wrote over a dozen songs together that appeared on his albums over the years including Billboard Top 10 Billboard hits "Crumblin' Down" and "Hurts So Good".

Green also wrote hits for Van Zant, Lacy Dalton, Kenny Chesney ("Hook in the Heart" and "Girl in the Coffee Shop"), Gary Morris, Jude Cole, Hall and Oates, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dwight Yoakam and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. ASCAP has a list of many of the song titles HERE. 

Jude Cole, singer/songwriter/producer said this on his Facebook page this morning, "My friend for 23 years, George Green- husband, father and renowned songwriter who wrote the words to songs like HURT SO GOOD, RAIN ON THE SCARECROW, MINUTES TO MEMORIES, HUMAN WHEELS, SPEED OF LIFE, HOLLOWED GROUND and many more, died of lung cancer last night. To my friends in the industry, please help me get the word out. Donations for his favorite children's charity to follow. RIP George, You were a gifted and humble gentleman."

TNS Video History- Oak Ridge Boys- "Elvira"