Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 16
In 1981they had a big hit, "Elvira", followed by "Bobbie Sue= in 1982, and "American Made" in 1983. Golden left the
group in 1987 and was replaced by Steve Sanders until 1995. In 1995 Sanders left the group and on New Year9s Day 1996
Golden rejoined the group.
The group is named after a city in Tennessee, but the four best known members are not from Tennessee. Duane Allen was
born in Texas, William Lee Golden was born in Alabama, Richard Sterban was born in New Jersey, and Joe Bonsall was
born in Pennsylvania. Duane Allen has called Hendersonville Tennessee home for over fifty years. William Lee Golden,
Joe Bonsall, and Richard Sterban also live in Hendersonville Tennessee.
Joe Bonsall, who has spent the past five decades as tenor for The Oak Ridge Boys, has officially revealed his plans to
retire from touring. Bonsall said his decision to retire from the road is due to an ongoing health issue. Bonsall has battled
the slow onset of a neuromuscular disorder for over four years. Ben James, 27 will replace Bonsall on the Oaks farewell
tour. James is known for his previous work with Doyle Lawson9s band Quicksilver, as well as Dailey & Vincent9s band.
James is also a songwriter, penning