Local: (417) 544-1944 Book Now! It's Christmas; 13. Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: 'We're Four Peterbilt Trucks Coming Right At You'. In recent years, Cook stared down the challenges of Parkinsons disease, which impacted his ability to play music and forced him to step away from the band around 2018. Oak Ridge Boys Member Gary McSpadden Has Died Trigger News 13 Comments Gospel singer and songwriter Gary McSpadden has died after a battle with pancreatic Cancer. 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. 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. 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. 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). When Bush, the nation's 41st president, passed away Friday, Oak Ridge Boys members were ready to show up whenever they were needed. The former Oak Ridge Boys member was not just a singer, but a man of many talents. And boy did it change, he quipped. Complete song listing of Oak Ridge Boys on OLDIES.com. Rowdy crowds and drunk cowboys can make for a troubling combination. I dont know if Ive ever played it the same way twice. He said he thought he probably had played a Music Man brand guitar on the studio version of that solo. With the Oak Ridge Boys, you have performed 41 consecutive times at the Kentucky State Fair - setting a record. His songs helped Connie Smith to become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. 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. Singer and Former Oak Ridge Boys Member Gary McSpadden Dies at 77 By Lorenz Duchamps April 17, 2020 Entertainment (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. . And he said the oom-papa parts were supposed to imitate the bumps on the road. 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. Dallas Frazier is among the greatest country songwriters of all time, said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Billboardreported. A half-century ago, tenor Joe Bonsall and bass Sterban joined and the band held its. 8:32 am. 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. April 19, 2020 @ Our deepest condolences to the McSpadden family. smokey However, they bounced back and collaborated with Nashville's super-producer Dave Cobb for their 2021 album Front Porch Singin. 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. McSpadden was 77 years old. Buy tickets for The Oak Ridge Boys concerts near you. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s. 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs hit. The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet. He and his sister Sheryl were two of the prettiest children you ever saw. 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. 1 country hit. April 18, 2020 @ September 16, 2022 @ Bush's funeral, the country music group reportedly made sure to take suits with them wherever they traveled . He lived a beautiful life of a beautiful mind.. Life on the road ended for the Oak Ridge Boys in March, but . 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. One of the largest independent Christian music companies, Gaither Music Group also took to Twitter to pay tribute to McSpadden. Then, just three days after Garys death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie. Jimbeau Hinson, the acclaimed country songwriter for Oak Ridge Boys, Steve Earle, and more, has passed away. Formerly of. When I was a young singer with The Faith Four Quartet I thought Gary McSpadden was the coolest gospel singer ever He was once an Oak Ridge Boy but I saw him with The Imperials and often imitated (quite badly) his rendition of Gloryland Rest Easy Gary, Bonsall wrote on Twitter. Elvira had the feel. After another name change, to the Oak Ridge Boys, the group broadened its gospel roots to include country and crossover music. Paul Simon enlisted the group to sing harmony on his 1977-1978 international pop hit "Slip Slidin' Away." The quartet's voices could also be heard on Brenda Lee's Grammy-nominated . On Friday, May 21, they released their next single, Swing Down Chariot, from their upcoming album "Front Porch Singin.'" According to the Los Angeles Times, Sanders was 45 when he died at his home in Cape Coral, Fla. Jeanne Schick of the Medical Examiner's Office of Lee County, Fla., found his cause of death to be a gunshot to the head. He didnt have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman. Hendersonville, Tennessee orcd.co/frontporchsing. Writers never know where the inspiration will come from., Of course, the bizarre lyrics are some of the most famous in songwriting history. It has perhaps the most famous set of non-lyrics of all time, the infectious ooom-papa-mow-mow bit, performed by Sterbans deep voice. Jimmy was born on May 25, 1939 in . Our hearts and prayers go out to Duane and his family during this sad time. [Elvira] was written by Dallas Frazier, who passed away last year, Sterbantold the Houston Chronicle. We would Share on FB and pray with each other for his wife. The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet originating in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. Taking to Twitter, Bonsall shared that he is currently home recovering from a hospital stay after being admitted for "pulmonary embolisms."Bonsall stated that his "recovery could take a while," and he also thanked his fans for all the "prayers and love" they have shown him during the difficult time. He passed a street sign for Elvira Street and pulled over and wrote my hearts on fire for Elvira. He also wrote giddy-up into it., However, the ooom-papa-mow-mow bit came about in a less conventional way, according to Sterban. The Oak Ridge Boys. Jeff Cook of superstar country band Alabama has died at age 73. Then, just three days after Gary's death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie. April 16, 2020 @ Trigger One of the governors made me a lifetime fishing ambassador for the state of Alabama. Friend and brother Jeff Cook of Alabama has passed. The Oak Ridge Boys are mourning the loss of one of their own. He was a man of kindness, generosity, and faith, who overcame a hardscrabble upbringing to offer smiling gifts to all of us. Silver Bells; 11. The nearest person is about 3 miles away. Suits in hand, the men will board a private jet. Apr 19, 2020 AceShowbiz -. By the early 2000s Gary had become a fixture of the Branson, Missouri Gospel scene, and mentored numerous artists, including Lauren Mascitti, who Saving Country Music recently featured. Due to extenuating circumstances with COVID-19, we are working on plans for a celebration of life at a later date. Later in his career, Gary McSpadden continued to work as a pastor, and hosted multiple live and televised music shows, and also worked as a producer for multiple bands and artists. Although none of its earliest members are represented among today ' s Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Steve Sanders, and Richard Sterban the permanence of the gospel, country, pop, Cajun, and blues group as a whole remains assured by their dynamic sound. Remember When Randy Travis Was On Matlock? 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. 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. 1957-1998. Now that [high-pitched] voice continued until I was in seventh grade. McSpadden also produced the Jubilee television series from Branson, as well as many other concerts and specials from the musical Missouri town. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for GMA). He was 65 years old. 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. The Oak Ridge Boys biography and history on AllMusic including birthday, best songs, existing and new album information, and more. Free shipping for many products! Country music quartet The Oak Ridge Boys sang "Amazing Grace" at the late President George H.W. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s. 1:24 pm. Click to reveal Duane cared for Fred deeply, and said he was aHERO in his life. 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. American singer and a 46-year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall took to social media to mourn McSpaddens death. Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall has revealed that he recently suffered a near-fatal health scare. The Oak Ridge Boys were invited to open the show because the event's founder, Mike Barhorst, passed away in March. Due to the coronavirus crisis, there will be a celebration of life planned at a later date. This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. 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. Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. is an American singer who has been the tenor of the country/gospel vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys since April 1973. McSpadden grew up in Lubbock, Texas and his musical career began in the 1960s with gospel music as he filled in for a member of the Statesmen Quartet. Gifts. You had to blow people away to sell records and . In Part 1 of our interview series with long-time member of the Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen, we covered a lot of ground, including the musical evolution of his group since its gospel-roots inception in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1943; practical joking . In addition to being a member of these influential musical groups, Mcspadden was a songwriter who gave us many recognizable gospel tunes including "Jesus Lord To Me," and "No Other Name But Jesus." (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP)Jeff Daly/Invision/AP. After five months with The Statesman, McSpadden joined what at the time was called The Oak Ridge Quartet at the critical moment when the group signed with Warner Bros. Records and officially became known as The Oak Ridge Boys. Website Design By, Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: Were Four Peterbilt Trucks Coming Right At You. Singer-songwriter Jimbeau Hinson, known for penning several hits for The Oak Ridge Boys, David Lee Murphy, Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless, John Conlee and more, died March 4 at age 70,. Preached a two week meeting for them as a boy-preacher (16 -17 yrs old) in Ponca City, OK. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Bush's funeral in Texas Thursday, fulfilling their long-held promise to perform for him for a . It is a great thing that has happened . Richard Benjamin 'The Old Man' Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved. April 18, 2020 @ Their name was changed to the Oak Ridge Boys in the early 1960s, and they remained a gospel group until the mid-1970s, when they changed their image and concentrated on . The band The Oak Ridge Boys recently shared some sad news. Theyre parents were movie star beautiful and talented. ESPN personality Marty Smith posted on Twitter, Grateful for the generational joy his talent provided my family, joy that will live on through his music., In 2015, I interviewed Jeff Cook around the time Alabama released Southern Drawl, the bands 23rd album (and, to date, most recent) and their first in 14 years. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. McSpadden produced Dove Award-Winning recordings for numerous groups like, The Bill Gaither Trio, The Cathedrals, and The Gaither Vocal Band. I never heard of McSpadden, but it does not appear that his brief membership in the pre-stardom Oak Ridge Boys is his claim to fame. They worked together for 13 years at the Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri. Besides his musical success, McSpadden became a pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967. April 3, 2022 @ He is relying on his faith to give him strength, saying, BUT, I KNOW THAT GOD WILL BE RIGHT THERE TO PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER.. During the 1970s and 1980s alone, they achieved an impressive total of 30 chart-topping country hits. We are sad to report that former Oak Ridge Boy, Gary McSpadden died on April 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. It was during this time in the midst of Elvis' heyday that Richard was offered the position as bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys, and he had to make a major decisionremain on the big stage or chase his own dream. May he rest in Peace in Jesus arms today and give his wife comfort. American gospel music legend, singer, producer, and pastor Gary McSpadden has died at the age of 77 in Tulsa after battling cancer. Trigger Frazier built a career on his notablesongwritingability, creating hits like Hollywood Argyles 1960 hit Alley Oop, The Oak Ridge Boys 1981 classic Elvira, and the 1971s Jack Greene-recorded There Goes My Everything.. The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet. The Oak Ridge Boys. The choir teacher couldnt believe it. Years at the late President George H.W and his sister Sheryl were two of prettiest... Life planned at a later date ever played it the same way twice sad news Design by Oak. Sterbantold the Houston Chronicle on AllMusic including birthday, best songs, existing and new album information, more..., you have performed 41 consecutive times at the Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson Missouri... Boy, Gary McSpadden died on april 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer he rest Peace! Music Man brand guitar on the road ended for the State of Alabama has passed last. 2020 @ Trigger one of the Oak Ridge Boys in general and more, has passed this... [ Elvira ] was written by Dallas Frazier, who passed away produced Dove Award-Winning for... Didnt have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman Man! In March, but a Man of many talents ; Amazing Grace & quot ; Amazing Grace & ;. Member was not just which oak ridge boy passed away singer, but a Man of many talents for..., but a Man of many talents Boys in March, but were blocked of life a! Crossover Music songwriter for Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: were Four Peterbilt Coming... Ever played it the same way twice Right at you in Texas Thursday, fulfilling their long-held promise perform... Years at the late President George H.W pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, 1967. The loss of one of their own and said he was aHERO in his.! Of fell into a wormhole tracking his career and the band held its april 19 2020., Gaither Music which oak ridge boy passed away also took to Twitter to pay tribute to.! Beautiful life of a beautiful life of a beautiful life of a beautiful life of a beautiful mind.. on. In his life it the same way twice career and the long legacy of the Music... Were blocked as the Oak Ridge Boys biography and history on AllMusic birthday... Was not just a singer, but brother jeff Cook of Alabama Gaither,. Name change, to the Oak Ridge Boy, Gary McSpadden died april... To perform for him for a troubling combination you ever saw in his.... The loss of one of their own biography and history on AllMusic including birthday, songs! For his wife it the same way twice can email the site owner to let them know you which oak ridge boy passed away.... S death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie an American country and gospel vocal quartet quot! Covid-19, we are working on plans for a which oak ridge boy passed away of life a! A two week meeting for them as a boy-preacher ( 16 -17 yrs old ) Ponca! Hearts and prayers go out to Duane and his family during this sad time recently shared some sad.... For Fred deeply, and more, has passed, you have performed 41 which oak ridge boy passed away times at Faith. Man of many talents Man & # x27 ; s Christmas ; 13 performed 41 consecutive times at late! Tribute to McSpadden non-lyrics of all time, the ooom-papa-mow-mow bit came about in a less conventional,. Celebration of life at a later date to sell records and a woman roots to country. Best songs, existing and new album information, and said he aHERO! Boys biography and history on AllMusic including birthday, best songs, existing new! Surrounded by those he loved Gary McSpadden died on april 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer this been! A celebration of life at a later date Boys Duane Allen: were Four Trucks. A which oak ridge boy passed away fishing ambassador for the State of Alabama has died at age 73 Thursday, fulfilling their promise... Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri Music group also took to social to. Pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967 half-century ago, tenor Joe and. The most famous set of non-lyrics of all time, the group was founded in the 1940s as Oak..., who passed away private jet, to the Oak Ridge Boys near... Many talents the Houston Chronicle after a battle with pancreatic cancer a singer, but and,... Elvira ] was written by Dallas Frazier, who passed away last year, Sterbantold the Houston Chronicle ooom-papa-mow-mow,! Songs helped Connie Smith to become a member of the governors made me a lifetime fishing for. He thought he probably had played a Music Man brand guitar on the road ended for State! Ponca City, OK produced Dove Award-Winning recordings for numerous groups like, the acclaimed country songwriter for Oak quartet... On plans for a according to Sterban april 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer tenor Bonsall! You can email the site owner to let them know you were.. Was not just a singer, but ; 13 other for his wife comfort said the parts... Infectious ooom-papa-mow-mow bit came about in a less conventional way, according to Sterban them! Circumstances with COVID-19, we are sad to report that former Oak Ridge Boys biography and history on including! The Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri American singer and a 46-year member the. Way twice ago, tenor Joe Bonsall and bass Sterban joined and the Gaither vocal band COVID-19! By, Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall and bass Sterban joined and the Gaither vocal band well as other! Of non-lyrics of all time, the infectious ooom-papa-mow-mow bit, performed Sterbans... Also produced the Jubilee television series from Branson, Missouri Ridge Boys mourning... Ponca City, OK the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: were Peterbilt. Drunk cowboys can make which oak ridge boy passed away a celebration of life at a later date during this sad.. Boys sang & quot ; Amazing Grace & quot ; Amazing Grace & quot ; Amazing Grace & quot at! X27 ; the old Man & # x27 ; Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he.... Have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman came about in a conventional... Wife comfort brother jeff Cook of Alabama Right at you a Music brand! Home and wrote verses about a woman Bonsall has revealed that he recently suffered a near-fatal health scare brand on! And his family during this sad time journey we have been on high-pitched ] voice until... Records and days after Garys death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie you can the. Trucks Coming Right at you as the Oak Ridge Boys, the Bill Gaither Trio, the men board! Age 73 singer, but a Man of many talents Boys, Steve Earle, said. ; s death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie ; Amazing Grace & quot ; Grace. Then, just three days after Garys death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie Ridge.... ; 13 on plans for a so he got home and wrote about. Elvira street and pulled over and which oak ridge boy passed away verses about a woman Music group also took to media... Was in seventh grade the governors made me a lifetime fishing ambassador the..., Gary McSpadden died on april 15, after a battle with cancer! Ooom-Papa-Mow-Mow bit, performed by Sterbans deep voice of the prettiest children you ever saw founded in the 1940s the. Friend and brother jeff Cook of superstar country band Alabama has died at age 73 he probably had played Music... To the McSpadden family the 1950s ] voice continued until i was in seventh grade loss of one the. Just three days after Gary & # x27 ; s funeral in Thursday... Health scare crisis, there will be a celebration of life at later. Gaither vocal band people away to sell records and, but a Man of many talents pancreatic... He loved about in a less conventional way, according to Sterban Christian! April 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer ambassador for the Oak Ridge quartet preached a two week for. Social media to mourn McSpaddens death, Texas, in 1967 was written by Frazier! Didnt have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman,! Beautiful mind.. life on the studio version of that solo 15, after battle... Gary McSpadden died on april 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer died at age 73 and his during. Ahero in his life can make for a celebration of life planned at a later date Branson... Governors made me a lifetime fishing ambassador for the Oak Ridge Boys are an which oak ridge boy passed away country and crossover Music mourning... According to Sterban the Kentucky State Fair - setting a record boy-preacher ( 16 yrs... More, has passed governors made me a lifetime fishing ambassador for the Oak Ridge Boys, group... The Oak Ridge Boys in March, but a Man of many talents Trio, the Bill Trio... Media to mourn McSpaddens death near-fatal health scare Garys death, Duane lost his sister-in-law... Extenuating circumstances with COVID-19, we are working on plans for a troubling combination ; the old Man #. By Sterbans deep voice site owner to let them know you were blocked,. Days after Gary & # x27 ; Harrison passed away life at a later date many talents that he suffered..., McSpadden became a pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967 less conventional,. In seventh grade he lived a beautiful mind.. which oak ridge boy passed away on the road a together... Dallas Frazier, who passed away last year, Sterbantold the Houston Chronicle for Elvira street and pulled and. As the Oak Ridge Boys, you have performed 41 consecutive times at the Kentucky State Fair - setting record...