The Oak Ridge Boys announce their farewell tour after 50 years on the road

We are honored to have William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban join us in studio to talk about The Oak Ridge Boys: American Made Farewell Tour and their upcoming Christmas Show at the Ryman on December 12. For more information, please visit oakridgeboys.com

[@freedomlover8412]

Love the oak ridge boys. Gonna be missed. Miss the Statler Brothers too. Alabama.

[@karenshurley4793]

I’ve followed the Oaks for 50 years - like Richard said, “where’s the time gone?”

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

Thanks for reminding me that I'm an old man now, lol, I've followed the Oaks since the mid 70s, then I was a kid, lol, thanks again Karen, lol👍, I'm just joking with you, no harm intended, lol👍✌️

[@LinkRocks]

Love the Oaks. Sorry Joe had to retire from touring, I pray for his health.

[@joegross7166]

,w

[@thejoshsings9280]

I never got the chance to see the Oak Ridge Boys perform live in concert. But now since they’re retiring I wish them the best in their future endeavors and I thank them for many years of wonderful music

[@keaganburk5813]

I never seen them in concert either and now I want to also wish them a happy retirement…

[@thejoshsings9280]

@@keaganburk5813 So do I. We still have their music to enjoy

[@thejoshsings9280]

@@keaganburk5813 I do too. It seems a lot of our favorite artists be they country music or other genres,are retiring. Or worse, dying. But it’s important to remember that they will always be remembered for their music. So that’s a good thing.

[@highnrising]

Neither did I, but I clicked on the tour and bought tickets to see them in Lancaster, Pa. next March. It's worth a 200-plus mile drive from NYC.

[@thejoshsings9280]

@@highnrising Wow that’s awesome

[@anj3595]

I am just grateful they are all still around. They are a mainstay!

[@greeneyes92061]

50 years….amazing! Love the ORB. Honestly never thought William Lee Golden could talk that much. He always seems to have sort of been in the background, as far as talking. Love hearing him!

[@TheMikeWaddell]

Their live shows are amazing! It is rare to see four fine vocalists share the stage and take command the way that they do.

[@rodneystricker7576]

I was fortunate enough to see them in concert four time...

[@Darci3333]

Love love love the Oakridge Boys❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@fredgilbert7804]

I remember Richard & Joe prior to their being new members of The Oak Ridge Boys. I first met Joe at a Bible College in Green Lane Pennsylvania, and attended church in Pennsylvania with Richard. I also went to Southern Gospel music concerts in Pennsylvania where the original Oak Ridge Boys performed. The last time I attended one of their concerts was in Corona, California several years ago. I hope to see The Oak Ridge Boys in one of their Farewell Tours on the East Coast.

[@kennypayne9259]

I've still got a record of that group, The Keystone Qt. The piano player, Garland Craft also went to The Oaks for awhile. Dave Will also.left and went with The Imperials in 1975 or 76. Lots of memories there.

[@frednutz1604]

I knew they had been around for awhile but 50yrs WOW! Love the Oakridge Boys.

[@curtwoods]

That's 50 years with the lineup most well known to people; the group has actually been around since World War 2

[@delorismullings1609]

They are my mother favourite band she had dementia and they are the only band who could keep her calm I would just play their music and she would just start sing along with them ...God bless them

[@chrisheffernan6600]

I got the opportunity to see them a few weeks ago when they passed through our area on their farewell tour. They were still great.

[@peggybachler5952]

I met these guys at the Phoenix State Fair back in the 70s. They were such sweet guys. So talented!!

[@davewollenberg1518]

Strange that William Lee has a deeper speakin' voice, than Richard.

[@kevinswinyer3176]

It was the same with the Statlers as well when they were touring. Don's speaking Voice was just as deep, and low as Harold's speaking voice.

[@deborahwilkinson8685]

😊

[@TonyM132]

I was thinking the same thing. We so rarely ever hear William Lee speak, he has definitely been the quietest member over the years. But I think his speaking voice has gotten deeper with age since they had songs on the charts.

[@ericdixon2898]

Richard has developed some degree of dysphonia in his lower register.. it started back in the mid 90s. He can still hit low notes but it sounds pretty awful.. like Isabel Sanford just lower As for William Lee.. he just smokes a lot of marijuana..

[@timt8029]

Years ago Richard's speaking voice was much lower than it is now.

[@belindawilson6619]

Love the Oak Ridge Boys! They're the best!!!

[@Sprucetroy69]

Always love singing their songs! GOD bless them all. 🤟😎♥️🇺🇲

[@lynnelovett8999]

Well deserved retirement. Thank you for the absolutely awesome music. You will be missed. God bless and may He keep you in good health. Blessed 2024...

[@markhenry1239]

My grandfather loved country music and loved the Oak Ridge Boys. For his Birthday he was given tickets to one of their concerts at a small town theater in Pennsylvania. I actually got to go! Good Lord that was 50 years ago or so. But I'm glad I went and still enjoy their music to this day. My favorite of all time though has GOT to be the Y'all Come Back Saloon! God Bless you guys, and Thank you so much for so many years of incredible entertainment! ❤️

[@kenskip1]

i have seen the oak ridge boys twice. they were amazing love the oak ridge boys

[@bernicebarnes3484]

I will always love ''The Oaks''! AMAZING AND VERY TALENTED MEN who For 50 glorious years sang their hearts out for people who love them! May God bless each and every one of them every day. I wish them and their families the best as they now retire and rest their talented voices. The best of the best! May they live on in our hearts and memories forever! God bless them!!

[@blondie6549]

The best!! ❤

[@user-mf3pb3yw7j]

Me and my late mom love the Oakridge boy my mom in heaven and I will miss you guys listen to ur music for urs for yrs😢 50 yr going strong God bless you guys and urs family

[@jodywestmoreland6255]

I have seen them twice and I absolutely loved it. My husband took me to the 1st one and I took my daughter with me to the second one

[@clydemcdaniel2945]

They were known as the Tennessee Cutups before becoming The Oak Ridge Boys. Deacon Freeman was a original member of The Tennessee Cutups and he lived in Dalton Georgia after retiring from the group and one year the Oak Ridge Boys invited him to join them at the Opry for their induction to the Hall of Fame I knew Deacon when he worked for Fuller Brush as a route salesman and I was in school with two of his children. I am originally from Dalton and I am living in Orlando FL and I get to see his son when we have our graduation parties because he graduated with me in 1970

[@PeppersKentuckyLiving]

Love the Oaks!!!

[@franclark9256]

I've seen the Oakridge Boys in concert 4 times. Absolutely incredible!!! May God bless them!

[@isaacburdiss]

I have a question...is there any chance they would play "Jesus was Born Today" in May? I've never seen them but I would really like for them to play that song!

[@carolfranklin6599]

The Oaks are the best! They have clean shows and I just love them! Hope they come to Wisconsin!!

[@barbarasunday3514]

My Daddy gave me a used stereo when I was 7 or 8 my very first recording was Room Service. Sterban's base was my very first crush, and his solos still make me warm all over. I have in laws 10 minutes out of Brenton Alabama, and they are really proud of Mr Golden. Thanks for the clean, classy music, Gentlemen!

[@janmcwhirter3932]

Love the oak ridge boys with the Gaithers

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

I had the honor of seeing these guys 3 times in Texas 😊

[@BeebesFave]

I have seen them several time and just went to this farewetour on the 7th. I will miss seeing them after 50 years!

[@user-cm5sc1vj5f]

Going to miss this crew, but we still have thier music to listen too. What a great group of men and hope others will learn

[@georgiawessling7987]

This is why, even at 86, I am so grateful for all the modern advances in technology. I can listen to groups and their songs clear back to my youth and all the music I heard at Anderson College, now a university.

[@Patricia-zy6ck]

Love the OAKS❤

[@henrypenningtonjr9616]

Thanks for .. For Them The the years and music

[@ceemacdee7656]

I was 9 months old at my first concert, and I'll be there for their farewell show in our area, God willing. ❤ Bless the ORB. ❤

[@brianhelle7064]

Straight from the boys themselves (William Lee Golden & Richard Sturban) they are calling it quits just a few years after The Statler Brothers retired. So sad to hear that but like WLG said they ain’t young kids on the block anymore & they’re all getting older & have been together for 50 years it’s time to retire. 150 shows a year & they’re gonna be doing 1/2 that now. I didn’t know that Joe & Richard joined in 1973 I thought it was earlier but what do I know. I’ve always loved their music (even when WLG wasn’t there & Steve Sanders took his place for a short time - Just like when Jimmy Fortune came in 1982 with the Statler Brothers to replace Lew Dewitt). Where has time gone??? Love both the Statler Brothers & the oak ridge boys as well as Alabama). Country music is dying out from the all time favorites making room for this new crap they call country music. Joe,Duane, William Lee & Richard y’all are going to be greatly missed. Love y’all & prayers for your health,families & new endeavors of whatever they may be

[@highnrising]

The Statler Brothers farewell concert was in 2002--twenty-one years ago. The guys were middle-aged. Toward the end of the show, Don started pointing out and thanking some of the special people in attendance and one person who he recognized was his--and Harold's--mother! I don't imagine that William Lee or Duane's moms will be at the Oak's finale.

[@brianhelle7064]

@@highnrising anyone of their relatives can be there. You as well as I don’t know if anyone in their family will be there or not. They could be. And I said it was just a few years after the Statler Brothers retired.

[@highnrising]

@@brianhelle7064 22 years. Not just a few.

[@hyacinththompson5096]

Congratulations on your 50 years..enjoyed and still listening to your music..all the best on your retirement..lots of luck..good health and enjoy the rest of your lives to the fullest..be safe..

[@joefitzpatrick7563]

I remember seeing them several times on The Tonite show with Johnny Carson.being on Johnny's show was a great big deal back then and Johnny just loved them.

[@rebeccad5988]

❤ Congratulations. Merry Christmas amd Happy New Year Love Live and Laugh. Thank You all for being in our lives .

[@arkyhumbos]

I saw the Oaks when I was a kid on vacation in Panama City, FL. It was an all gospel concert with the other groups: Dixie Echoes, Florida Boys, and Thrasher Brothers. A couple of years later I saw Oaks bass, Richard, singing with JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet. Little while later Richard jumped ships to the Oaks, and their long time tenor, Willie Wynn jumped ship to a quartet called Hovie Lister & The Statesmen, then Joe came to the Oaks. I got to see them a few years ago in Branson, MO and will see them soon on their farewell tour in San Antonio. What a great legacy.

[@barbarabritt2467]

God Bless you all. We love your singing and so PROUD of you all. You are always in our Prayers Love you all.

[@bobrandale4864]

I remember following these boys in their earlier years, and being disappointed with their last gospel-only album called "Street Gospel", and haven't been very inspired with them since then...

[@colleenwoodland4574]

Richard looks like Robert DeNiro! Love their music!

[@stevenbaggett6549]

Yeah I bet his politics are different! William looks like Gandalf

[@jaynejohnson6233]

It's so sad that you are retiring. I have never been fortunate to see you in concert. I have some disability that makes it difficult for me. But I am trying to figure out how I can see you on your last tour. May God bless you during your retirement. ❤

[@michael100807]

saw them last night, it was awesome!

[@julierichmond1486]

Nice guys and great songs

[@toddpetrie7046]

Farewell tour? Damn. I'm tired of being old. Bring it Oaks.

[@juanitashaver6694]

Thanks for the memories. I wish you had included Laughlin, NV. in the final tour, I'll keep checking. 1994 to the pandemic canceled it. We were there.

[@andrewj4442]

They're the B E S T! ❤😍😍😍😍

[@charlesowens7316]

There will never be another group like the oak ridge boys

[@karensanford9926]

Love you Boys so much!!❤

[@YvonneHenley-xw8nh]

God bless you Thank you be in my life I love you guys 🙏🙏🙏😇😍

[@newellhitchcock1699]

I hope that the Oak Ridge Boys come to Maine

[@phillipmoen6067]

Well deserved retirement I really enjoyed your growing up and listening to your music and I still listen to it to this day and I'm in my 20s. You have a farewell tour coming around Washington or Idaho God bless you guys.

[@henrypenningtonjr9616]

❤ I miss you

[@jimmcdiarmid7308]

Please come to Hawaii!!!!!!

[@craigstjohn4470]

let them, come to Wisconsin!!/. first time since...."2017"! beaver dam fair!

[@dianefvann9180]

I ollways like the oak rage boys that or a good country group that in country music when oll the old country music Sanger is gong and the one or are retiring thay want be known more country music like

[@donjulio4025]

Oak Ridge Boys are great and Laura is very good also.

[@hatsunamimizuno6266]

You're song Elvira was the first song at our wedding reception. It has continued as a family tradition and all of the marriages are Christian marriages alive today! Ompa pa mow wa!

[@williamjackson8629]

Well see 3 time Missouri state fair 2 one time in Boonville October 2010 great miss

[@dianefvann9180]

That one of my favorite song theoak rage boys signs my baby is an American made they are more songs I like

[@henrypenningtonjr9616]

Great

[@Danny-jb6pg]

My baby is American made, born and bred in the USA

[@williamjackson8629]

Second time in Sedalia in August fair going on and 40 year then 😊

[@Smokeys911]

When did Robert DeNiro join the Oak Ridge Boys?

[@newellhitchcock1699]

What channel is the show going to be in and is it going to be in You Tube ?

[@marionripko1502]

🎉😢😮

[@TonyM132]

I really hope they perform the hits from the Steve Sanders years on this farewell tour. The times I've seen them since Steve has been gone and William Lee returned, they've basically ignored all their songs from 1987-95 (except for An American Family sung with different lyrics). That is very disappointing to me. I just checked setlist fm, but it doesn't look like anyone has bothered to post setlists for the Oaks in a while...

[@RockinGuy1994]

Rip Joe

[@mikemeyers1717]

William Lee , sounds more like a bass singer , than Richard does ! 😂

[@chowman007]

William should have sang bass. Am convinced the harmony would have been tighter

[@robertwunner5523]

😅❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😢😢

[@udhoop]

Noooooo!!?

[@stanfordnunley2616]

Maybe with their extra time off, William Lee may decide to grow a beard…😉

[@randybock82]

Good one 😂

[@NancyAnderson-nt8bm]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@wa2k99]

:(

[@benbridwell9991]

Too bad Joe won't be there.

[@jgatkinson744]

They have out of demand for years

[@henrypenningtonjr9616]

Thanks for .. For Them The the years and music