Great Show
by DBo on 2025-07-01Casino Rama Resort - RamaRating: 5 out of 5I along with 3 friends drove from Toronto to Rama, to see/hear my long-time friends, The Oak Ridge Boys. I have seen them about 20 times since 1968,but this time would be different as 2 of the regular singers were not with them. Joe Bonsall, 50-yr tenor had passed away in 2024, from ALS, to be replaced by Ben James, 48 years younger!! Then, Richard Sterban, 52-yr bass was missing due to recent health issues and medical treatment. (Joe was 76 at the time of his death and Richard is now 82.)
With Joe no longer being the main stage spokesperson, that responsibility is now up to 82-yr-old Duane Allen, 59-yr lead singer and President of ORB. Note: Ron Fairchild, 42-yr keyboard player in the Mighty Oaks Band has also retired since I last saw them live, in Dec 2021 in Nashville, TN.
Filling in for Richard on bass vocals was Tim Duncan, who sang in a couple of gospel quartets; I have known of Tim for over 20 years.
Darrick Kinslow - Road Manager - offered his regular stage introduction, providing some of the history of the group dating way back to 1943, when the name first became the Oak Ridge Quartet and then, The Oak Ridge Boys in the mid-60s.
Rather than traveling with the normal 2-bus and trailer convoy, this time they flew up to Canada so much of the sound and light equipment was supplied/rented, including the Pearl drum kit. Their sound and lighting engineers did a superb job throughout the 90 minute show.
William Lee Golden - the long-bearded one - who is now 85, joined the Oaks in 1965, followed by Duane Allen in 1966. Due to the 2 end parts: tenor and bass vocals being supplied by different personnel than what I have experienced since the early-70s, I wondered what the 4-part harmonies would sound like. Obviously, there was a difference, actually quite a distinct difference, but a GREAT BLEND of voices. Ben James does not run and jump on stage like Joe did in his prime, but his tenor range is higher. Then, Tim Duncan, I'm guessing in his mid-to-late 50s brought his clear and sharp bass vocals. It must be hard to bring the Oom Papa Mow Mows to the song Elvira, when the audiences are used to Richard Sterban's distinct ways, but Tim did a SUPERB job, not only on Elvira, 2nd last song of the night, but on all of the 20 - 25 songs they sang.
Of course, Duane and William Lee filled the lead and baritone, "middle"parts with experience, expertise and consistency. The quartet has always shared solo or lead parts on various songs throughout a show, and that continued with Ben & Tim.
The current "Boys"quartet began in Southern Gospel Music and had reached the pinnacle of that genre by 1975, prior to the transition to Country. They still, always include a few gospel songs in a concert. When Duane set up that portion of Friday's concert, he spoke about their gospel roots and the continued Christian faith of each member. Their rendition of "How Great Thou Art"was excellent and featured both Ben and Tim with solo parts.
While eating in one of the Casino's restaurants prior to the show, I stated that they always end the concert with Elvira, followed by Bobbie Sue. This gives the audience an upbeat way to participate in singing along with 2 of their biggest and most energetic hits from the past 44 years. It also provides the Band an opportunity to show their instrumental skills, as they "play"the vocalists off stage.
The Mighty Oaks Band have always had top-rate musicians and with a new keyboard player, they were GREAT once again.
Overall, the evening was FANTASTIC, as MyBOYS, as I affectionately refer to them, did not disappoint. The vocals were delivered with accuracy and heartfelt emotion, especially by Duane, who lost his wife - from illness - in 2024: Easter Sunday, followed by his 50-yr best friend, Joe Bonsall in July'24.
While wandering around the Casino corridors and hotel lobby, I saw William Lee Golden, walking across the lobby, to the elevator bank. Rather than invading his privacy I waved and greeted him as we passed less than 10 feet from each other. He acknowledged me, but considering how many fans he has, I doubt that he remembered we have spoken on a few occasions over the last 25 years and I have been in a few pictures with them in Ontario and Tennessee.
Since 2007, I have communicated regularly with Duane Allen and also Joe Bonsall, prior to his passing in 2024. I "follow"them and they "follow"me on X / Twitter. Duane and I "DM"each other regularly, not only about music, but mostly personal interests such as baseball and basketball.
In conclusion, I would encourage anyone, given the chance to go and see/hear this legendary group before it is too late. Their era is nearing completion, obviously due to age, but they still "Knock it Out of the Park, each time they hit the stage. Thanks, :MyBOYS"for the entertainment over the last 57 years that I have been privileged to know you.
KEEP SINGIN' !!!!
