"The Oak Ridge Boys" are one of the best-known country and gospel music|gospel bands in United States. They began their career as the "Oak Ridge Quartet" in 1945, singing gospel music and becoming popular during the 1950s. Their name was changed to the Oak Ridge Boys in 1961, and remained a predominantly gospel-oriented group until the late 60s, when they changed their image somewhat and concentrated more on country and pop music. By the 1970s, the band's lineup had become more or less consistent: lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass singer Richard Sterban. In 1977 they switched from gospel to country. With the release of their "Ya'll come Back Saloon" album.
They are best known for their hit song "Elvira" (1981).
The group was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
In the late 1980's, William Lee Golden temporarily left the group, and was replaced as baritone singer by the band's guitarist, Steve Sanders, who remained with the group until Golden returned in the mid 90's.
Their 25 "country music" albums are *''Ya'll Come Back Saloon'' (September 2, 1977) *''Room Service'' (May 25, 1978) *''The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived'' (March 30, 1979) *''Together'' (March 30, 1979) *''Greatest Hits'' (October 19, 1980) *''Fancy Free'' (March 26, 1981) *''Bobbie Sue'' (February 10, 1982) *''Christmas'' (September 22, 1982) *''American Made'' (January 20, 1983) *''Deliver'' (October 20, 1983) *''Greatest Hits 2'' (July 7, 1984) *''Step On Out'' (March 26, 1985) *''Seasons'' (March 25, 1986) *''Christmas Again'' (Setember 20, 1986) *''Where The Fast Lane Ends'' (February 10, 1987) *''Heartbeat'' (September 30, 1987) *''Monongahela'' (August 10, 1988) *''Greatest Hits 3'' (May 31, 1989) *''American Dreams'' (September 25, 1989) *''Unstoppable'' (April 1, 1991) *''The Long Haul'' (June 8, 1992) *''Country Christmas Eve'' (November 20, 1995) *''Revival'' (March 3, 1997) *''Voices'' (July 14, 1999) *''From The Heart'' (May 12, 2001)
