Such a great guy and one heckuva bass fisherman. Besides his musical success, McSpadden became a pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967. The tune, written and originally recorded by Dallas Frazier in the 60s, was reinvented by The Oak Ridge Boys in 1981. The choir teacher couldnt believe it. Reid struggled with a battle with kidney failure and died in his Staunton, Virginia home, according to his bandmate Jimmy. Show + Hotel Packages Available! (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for GMA). I remember Gary coming town in the late 80s and hosting a record burning at a local kooky church. ALL OF THE CURRENT OAK RIDGE BOYS WERE INFLUENCED BY GARY, Duane wrote in his A DAY OF BEING THANKFUL!!!!!! Steve Sanders left behind a successful career and a troubled personal legacy when he died on June 10, 1998. Steve Sanders (September 17, 1952 - June 10, 1998) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Rebecca Angel Baer is the Senior Digital Editor, with a strong focus on News. And he said the oom-papa parts were supposed to imitate the bumps on the road. smokey Maybe that has something to do with the way we say words and pronounce things and helps us with our harmonies., For their golden harmony vocals, a signature aspect of their sound, Alabama drew inspiration from the likes of Statler Brothers and Oak Ridge Boys, Cook said. Please enjoy that song below. After leaving the Oak Ridge Boys, McSpadden went on to join The Imperials, and later The Bill Gaither Trio, and he Gaither Vocal Band. However, they bounced back and collaborated with Nashville's super-producer Dave Cobb for their 2021 album Front Porch Singin. McSpadden was part of The Imperials when they famously sang backup for Elvis Presley. It's Christmas; 13. Now that [high-pitched] voice continued until I was in seventh grade. Born in 1952 in Richland, Ga., Sanders got his start in the entertainment business as a child singing gospel music. The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet. Friend and brother Jeff Cook of Alabama has passed. McSpadden was 77 years old. The band The Oak Ridge Boys recently shared some sad news. The Oak Ridge Boys wereinductedinto the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. I wont say we patterned our harmony on them, because its apples and oranges., When Cook wasnt playing music or recording in his own studio, fishing was his jam. The Oak Ridge Boys Richard Sterban Tells the Story Behind Elvira. Years ago his wife had cancer and he asked for prayers for her. First, Duanes brother, Fred, passed away. 1 . 1:24 pm. Sanders made his recording debut as a member of the Oaks on their Heartbeat album in 1987, and he was featured on several of their later hits, including "Gonna Take a Lot of River," which gave them a No. The colourful lights of the Christmas trees and the performance of the oak ridge boys were amazing, then they did a recording and tribute to George Bush who passed away. Our hearts and prayers go out to Duane and his family during this sad time. Aaron McCune can not only can handle the bass parts to iconic country songs from The Oak Ridge Boys and others, he can go even deeper, and this is bringing the important element of four-part harmonies with bass in country music to a new generation. "But, it was kind of an interesting thing in . Ive noticed this all my life in writing songs, theres a thing called feel, and its magic when you get ahold of it, Frazier said. 13 Comments, Gospel singer and songwriter Gary McSpadden has died after a battle with pancreatic Cancer. April 19, 2020 @ But a couple of weeks ago when I was reviewing the new album from Lauren Mascitti, I saw in her bio that she had moved to Branson to sing backup for former Oak Ridge Boys member Gary McSpadden at the age of 12, and thought Huh. I sort of fell into a wormhole tracking his career and the long legacy of the Oak Ridge Boys in general. Well known . However, they found mainstream success in 1977 with the albumYall Come Back Saloon. Call: 1 (417) 544-1944 Get $100+ of free extras! In his A DAY OF BEING THANKFUL!!!!!! This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. One of the governors made me a lifetime fishing ambassador for the state of Alabama. The Texas singer was inducted three times into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, in 1998, 1999, and 2000. He lived a beautiful life of a beautiful mind.. April 18, 2020 @ Life on the road ended for the Oak Ridge Boys in March, but . He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Your email address will not be published. After playing rhythm guitar in the Oaks Band, Sanders was asked to replace William Lee Golden, the baritone in The Oak Ridge Boys, who had left the group in 1987. Friend and brother Jeff Cook of Alabama has passed. Oak Ridge Boys Member Gary McSpadden Has Died, Country Rapper Katie Noel Goes Viral with Southern (A Rant), Luke Combs Agrees on Saving Country Musics 2022 Song of the Year, Country Engineer Mark Capps, Son of Jimmy Capps, Killed by Police. Goodbye, Jeff. This period of Richard's life is covered in detail in his book, From Elvis to Elvira, co-written with Steven Robinson. Lead vocalist Duane Allen found his way to Oak Ridge in the 1960s, along with baritone William Lee Golden. Bush's funeral, the country music group reportedly made sure to take suits with them wherever they traveled . 12:50 pm. April 17, 2020 @ This heartfelt project showcases the decades of close harmony singing between all four members. (Pride died in 2020 to COVID-19-related complications). Learn more about the "Mother Church" of country music inRyman 130: The Evolution of an Icon! Thanks for contacting us. He was born in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania on January 20, 1943, to Verna and Allen Beeson. The Oak Ridge Boys, playing two shows at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston this weekend, are a curious entity in American popular music. Country legend Dallas Frazier dead, writer of Oak Ridge Boys hit 'Elvira' was 82 By Lawrence Richard, Fox News January 16, 2022 5:53am Updated Legendary country songwriter Dallas Frazier. Cook told me, The hardest part of the album was finding what we felt like were good songs. On Friday, May 21, they released their next single, Swing Down Chariot, from their upcoming album "Front Porch Singin.'" He'd had a long career as a gospel singer before ultimately landing a gig as the Oak Ridge Boys' sideman guitarist at the peak of their commercial success in the early '80s. Despite all of the pain he has suffered, Duane knows he will get through it. The group itself has existed in some incarnation for 70 years, with over 25 singers shuffling through the lineup. However, they bounced back and collaborated with Nashvilles super-producer Dave Cobb for their 2021 albumFront Porch Singin. He also co-wrote Tanya Tuckers Whats Your Mamas Name? which became her first No. 10:01 pm. It is a great thing that has happened . 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs hit. Strange two weeks later Im reporting that hes passed away. What you need to know, summarized in one email. He also produced TV series such as Jubilee, and produced and appeared in several music concerts in the 1990s and 2000s, Christian music portal Hallels reported. !, Duane reflected on all of his recent loses, including the death of his brother. She was 94 years old. The former Oak Ridge Boys singer died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, according to reports. He was 77-years-old. He will be truly missed., Americana superstar and fellow Alabama native Jason Isbell posted, Such sad news. His songs helped Connie Smith to become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Indeed, fans flooded Joe's Twitter page when news began to spread that the country music legend had to go under the . [Elvira] was written by Dallas Frazier, who passed away last year, Sterbantold the Houston Chronicle. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. On Nov. 8, the band confirmed on social media Cook had died the previous day. 1 hit, Billboard reported. The Spring Rummage Sale will be hosted by Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come on out to the Pre-Sale Friday, March 3, 6 to 8 p.m. (All prices doubled). I would like to thank all the Faith and Wisdom Church family and all the many friends who have prayed with us during this time, she said. Check us out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfy9oXYEdsQqUq15--Esm-A/ He was 77-years-old. The singerswife said he died peacefully surrounded by his family members. Maryville 59 Oak Ridge 51. He certainly sounds like he was a fine man. In his blog, Duane remembered how Bob and Margie moved their family to be close to where he lived, and recalled helping them set out presents for their kids on Christmas: I LOVED HELPING THEM AND SANTA CLAUS ARRANGE CHRISTMAS FOR ALL OF THEIR KIDS.BOB, MARGIE, AND I JUST BECAME LITTLE KIDS AS EACH CHILDRENS FAVORITE CEREAL WAS LAID IN THEIR PLACE IN STACKS..THIS WAS IN ADDITION TO THEIR OTHER GIFTS., Duane said Margie never spoke a BAD WORD about anyone, and that SHE WAS EASY TO LOVE AND I LOVED HER DEARLY.. Our deepest condolences to the McSpadden family. He was 73. Hendersonville, Tennessee orcd.co/frontporchsing. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Best price! Gary McSpadden replaced Ron Page, and appeared on three records with the Hall of Fame group before reuniting with Jake Hess and singing with The Imperials. Suits in hand, the men will board a private jet. Sanders's wife, Janet, told police that he had shot himself. Pride scored two other No. The Grand Ole Opry members. We knew this week that God had a plan and his healing would be here on earth or in heaven. Gifts. Frazier, who was born in Spiro,Oklahoma, also co-wrote numerous No. Goodbye, Jeff. Of course, were talking about the iconic Elvira. Beloved veteran musician Jimmy Capps, who played on hit songs such as Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning", passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 81 years of age. A few years ago, the Oak Ridge Boys recorded a song titled There Will Be Light. The song speaks about how tough times may by tough in the moment, but there will always be light in the end. For the Record Heritage 74 Campbell County 35. Praying for all who knew and loved him! News GOSPEL MUSIC HOF INDUCTION with former OAKS in 2000 #ThrowbackThursday Top L-R Gary McSpadden @joebonsall @DUANEALLEN @wlgolden @RASterban Jim Hamill Noel Fox Bottom L-R Tommy Fairchild Calvin Newton Willie Wynn Lon Deacon Freeman Ron Page pic.twitter.com/7DOv15sCmZ, The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 16, 2020. He appeared on Broadway in The Yearling, and also in the 1967 film Hurry Sundown, which starred Jane Fonda and Faye Dunaway. (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP)Jeff Daly/Invision/AP. This includes personalizing content and advertising. By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the, LIVE 7 PM ET: House Select Committee on the CCP Hearing on The Chinese Communist Partys Threat to America, Biden to Nominate Julie Su as Labor Secretary, While California Wearies of Snowstorms, Northeast Greets One, LIVE NOW: NTD Business Full Broadcast (Feb. 28). Together, the group sold more than 73 million albums and notched over 40 country number-one hits, including Mountain Music, 40 Hour Week, Feels So Right, Old Flame, The Closer You Get and Song of the South.. Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: 'We're Four Peterbilt Trucks Coming Right At You'. He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over. Most recently, he had been the pastor at the non-denominational Faith & Wisdom church in Branson. McSpadden recorded 3 albums with the Oak Ridge Boys and the current members of the band, took to Twitter to mark the sad occasion. During the 1970s and 1980s alone, they achieved an impressive total of 30 chart-topping country hits. When you book now! 2,458 Following. The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) January 27, 2023 Sterban has been with The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, leaving his gig with Elvis Presley to join the quartet. According to his obituary, he passed away on December 28, 2020. Who: The Oak Ridge Boys . 8:49 pm, Ann Stokman Gary McSpadden has been inducted a total of three times in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame from his various projects and pursuits, and is also a member of the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Get concert tickets, news and RSVP to shows with Bandsintown. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. The Oak Ridge Boys were invited to open the show because the event's founder, Mike Barhorst, passed away in March. Gary first began pursuing a solo career in 1979, and by 1988 began solely focusing on a career as a solo artist that resulted in 16 solo albums. Today please pray for our @DUANEALLEN who has lost a brother and a sister in law Hes a strong guy in so many ways but his heart is wounded we all know the ACE will get through it as we all do in times of great loss but a few prayers cant hurt , The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 19, 2020. We are sad to report that former Oak Ridge Boy, Gary McSpadden died on April 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Gary passed away on Wednesday (April 15) at the age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. Experienced the worst and only electrical storm of my life. His wife, Carol took to Facebook to share his passing with their community at the church they led in Branson, Missouri, Faith and Wisdom Church. Gary was an incredible person., (L-R) Christian music singers Bill Gaither, Gary McSpadden, and Shawn McSpadden attend the GMA Honors Celebration and Hall of Fame Induction at the Allen Arena at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 29, 2014. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The former Oak Ridge Boys member was not just a singer, but a man of many talents. RELATED: Gwen Stefani just lost it after getting to meet The Oak Ridge Boys. Here are some highlights from our conversation, edited for clarity and brevity. he is the play-by-play voice for Clinton High School football, boys' and girls' basketball and baseball. . The former Oak Ridge Boys member and gospel singer who once sang backup to the late music legend Elvis Presley has passed away after losing battle with cancer. Not long after losing his brother, Duane was left to cope with the death of a former Oak Ridge Boys member, Gary McSpadden. Les Coughran. Steve Sanders, 45, who was part of the Oak Ridge Boys for nearly a decade and sang on some of the million-selling group's later hits, died early Wednesday at his Florida home. blog post, Duane spoke about the hurt hes been feeling after losing his brother, friend, and sister-in-law in such a short amount of time. Duane dedicated a full LinkedIn post to Margie after her passing, titled, REST IN PEACE, MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER-IN-LAW!!!!! Gary was a member of the Oaks for some time, and recorded three albums with the group. Born in 1952 in Richland, Ga., Sanders got his start in the entertainment business as a. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. Im confused. 10:36 am. His time in the Oak Ridge Boys may not have been the biggest part of his career, but it is what makes him relevant to the country music world, and he was there when they officially changed their name, and released their first major label records. We would Share on FB and pray with each other for his wife. Country singer Travis Tritt posted, Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from Alabama. Former Oak Ridge Boys Singer Gary McSpadden Dead at 77, Oak Ridge Boys Land a Perfect Joke Before Amazing Grace Performance at President Bushs Funeral. In 1962 at the age of 18, Gary was noticed by the manager of the Southern Gospel group The Statesman, and was asked to fill in while the lead singer Jake Hess was on medical leave. Growing up, he enjoyed fishing, playing trumpet in the . It's a second residence, 150 acres on the Tennessee-Kentucky line. One of the largest independent Christian music companies, Gaither Music Group also took to Twitter to pay tribute to McSpadden. 1957-1998. NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 29: Oak Ridge Boys' and Wives, Duane Allen, Nora Lee Allen, Donna Sterban, Richard Sterban, Simone De Staley, William Lee Golden, Mary Bonsall and Joe Bonsall attend Oak Ridge Boys' William Lee Golden at there wedding on August 29, 2015 at The Rosewall in Nashville, Tennessee. Sad news! American singer and a 46-year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall took to social media to mourn McSpaddens death. Suits in hand, the men will board a private jet. Paul Barhorst, the president of Country Concert and Mike's son, opened. Its music that always seems relevant. McSpaddens wife wrote in a statementon theFaith And Wisdom Church Facebook page, where the singer taught, that he had been fighting pancreatic cancer along with other complications and died on the morning of April 15. Gary passed away on Wednesday (April 15) at the age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. Guarantee About the show. Rowdy crowds and drunk cowboys can make for a troubling combination. Website Design By, Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: Were Four Peterbilt Trucks Coming Right At You. This is a real loss for our whole family, for us and for the whole world. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Sad News, Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall Is Pass Away Expected Soon Family Prepare To Say Goodbye#joebonsall #oakridge #oakridgeboys Click to SUBSCRIBE for more awesome! I believe his son Shawn manages Kip Moore. Silent . The Oak Ridge Boys. CDs Vinyl. But the original inspiration came from a street sign, which a lot of people dont realize. McSpadden produced Dove Award-Winning recordings for numerous groups like, The Bill Gaither Trio, The Cathedrals, and The Gaither Vocal Band. After another name change, to the Oak Ridge Boys, the group broadened its gospel roots to include country and crossover music. The other members of the Oak Ridge Boys showed their support for Duane by tweeting about his losses and asking their fans to keep him and the Allen family in their prayers. The single 'You Made a Rock of a Rolling Stone' quickly became a fan favorite and made The Oak Ridge Boys one of the fastest growing acts at that moment. 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