Howdy, Boys
One of the most enduring musical groups of all time is returning to the Chinook Winds Casino Resort this Sunday, July 27.
The Oak Ridge Boys have received four Academy of Country Music, two American Music, five Billboard, four Country Music Association, five Grammy and twelve Gospel Music Association Dove awards. They are members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. They have had 17 number one hits, including “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying To Love Two Women,” “American Made” and the unforgettable “Elvira.”
“I remember the first time we played that song,” said William Lee Golden, who joined the group in 1965. “We were in Spokane and the crowd went so wild we ended up having to play it three times. The same thing happened in Seattle and then in Portland. That’s when we knew that song was going to be something special for us.”
Theirs has been one of the most distinctive and timeless sounds in the music industry for more than 50 years, and now The Oak Ridge Boys are bringing their “American Made Farewell Tour” across the country for an unforgettable night of entertainment for the entire family.
“It’s actually kind of an extended farewell tour,” Golden said. “It actually started when Joe Bonsell was still with us. It was a chance for him to say farewell to his fans. He was only able to make it for a few days; it was heart wrenching for us. It got to a point where he knew he couldn’t go any further.”
As Bonsall felt the end of his ability to perform grow near, he invited the group’s friend Ben James to come out on stage with them.
“Halfway into a song, Joe handed Ben the mike and wow, he really did an amazing job,” Golden said. “He has that ‘high lonesome sound’ in a way that I haven’t heard in 30 years.”
James joined the tour and also appears on the group’s newest album, “Mama’s Boys.”
“He’s brought new energy and brought our average age way down,” Golden said. “He stepped in so easily that we haven’t needed to have a single rehearsal.”
In addition to the recent loss of a bandmate, group members have also recently experienced the passing of family members and close friends.
“After so many losses, getting together and singing is helping to lift us up out of the sadness,” Golden said. “Being able to sing for other people has been healing and we get just as much from the audience as they get from us.”
The concert begins at 7 pm at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, located 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com or call 888-244-6665.