Steve Sanders left behind a successful career and a troubled personal legacy when he died on June 10, 1998. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Obituary for Mr. James "Jimmy" Capps. The choir teacher couldnt believe it. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. Together, the group sold more than 73 million albums and notched over 40 country number-one hits, including Mountain Music, 40 Hour Week, Feels So Right, Old Flame, The Closer You Get and Song of the South.. This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. Biography He was born on January 12, 1939, in Brewton, Alabama, USA. I never heard of McSpadden, but it does not appear that his brief membership in the pre-stardom Oak Ridge Boys is his claim to fame. I wont say we patterned our harmony on them, because its apples and oranges., When Cook wasnt playing music or recording in his own studio, fishing was his jam. Praying for all who knew and loved him! In a joint statement the surviving members of Alabama, Cooks cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, said Cook, was a champion in all he attempted and he courageously faced his battle with a positive attitude. The statement said Cook had passed away peacefully and with his family and close friends by his side at his beach home in Destin, Florida., Whether playing his signature double-neck guitar, singing backing vocals or picking up a fiddle, Cook was a vital musical and visual component of Alabama. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. April 17, 2020 @ Well known . This heartfelt project showcases the decades of close harmony singing between all four members. Margie was married to Duanes late brother, Bob. We knew this week that God had a plan and his healing would be here on earth or in heaven.. The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) January 27, 2023 Sterban has been with The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, leaving his gig with Elvis Presley to join the quartet. Guarantee About the show. McSpadden recorded 3 albums with the Oak Ridge Boys and the current members of the band, took to Twitter to mark the sad occasion. When I do that part in person, I look out in the audience and see all the men trying to sing along with me., Believe it or not, Sterban first started singing as a Soprano as a child in his church choir. They will have all kinds of furniture, household items, computers and electronics, clothing for all ages, children's toys and gear, books . The Grand Ole Opry members. Heritage 74 Campbell County 35. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfy9oXYEdsQqUq15--Esm-A/ Thank you for stopping by the channel! McSpadden was 77 years old. Suits in hand, the men will board a private jet. We've received your submission. After that, The Oak Ridge Boys released the most popular album 'Fancy Free . April 19, 2020 @ 1:24 pm. I feel bad today of learning of the passing of Gary McSpadden. April 16, 2020 @ He also mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic kept him from visiting any of his loved ones in their final moments, which hurts him even more: ALL OF THESE DEATHS HIT VERY HARDI HAVE FELT SO HELPLESS, BEING SEQUESTERED TO MY HOME..I DID NOT GET TO VISIT ANY OF THE THREE LOVED ONES BEFORE THEY PASSED, AND I CANNOT ATTEND THEIR FUNERALS.THAT HURTS DEEPLY IN MY GUT BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS DONE MY BEST TO HONOR THE LIFE OF THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY, he wrote. When the superstar vocal group parted ways with singer William Lee Golden in 1987, Sanders stepped from the back of the stage to the spotlight, taking over Golden's vocal duties from '87 until 1995. Remember When Randy Travis Was On Matlock? The former Oak Ridge Boys singer died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, according to reports. The group, with its classic '70s lineup of Sterban, . Strange two weeks later Im reporting that hes passed away. His wife, Carol took to Facebook to share his passing with their community at the church they led in Branson, Missouri, Faith and Wisdom Church. The Oak Ridge Boys. McSpaddens wife wrote in a statementon theFaith And Wisdom Church Facebook page, where the singer taught, that he had been fighting pancreatic cancer along with other complications and died on the morning of April 15. Books Magazines. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Oak Ridge Boys - 20 Country Gospel Classics - Used Vinyl Record - E759A at the best online prices at eBay! 1 hit, Billboard reported. Jeff was a sweet, sweet man and a hugely influential musician for us Alabama folks. Of course, were talking about the iconic Elvira. And the ability to entertain people, not necessarily just when youre singing., Cooked credited Alabamas musical longevity partly to the familial connected between he and his [distant] cousins: Owen, the bands charismatic frontman, and affable bassist Gentry. O Little Town of Bethlehem; 15. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. I remember Gary coming town in the late 80s and hosting a record burning at a local kooky church. The single 'You Made a Rock of a Rolling Stone' quickly became a fan favorite and made The Oak Ridge Boys one of the fastest growing acts at that moment. A half-century ago, tenor Joe Bonsall and bass Sterban joined and the band held its. Besides his musical success, McSpadden became a pastor together with his father in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1967. He is also an author. Gary has been battling cancer along with other complications over the last several weeks, his wife wrote in the statement. The Fort Payne High School grad and former Gadsden State Community College student is also a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Fiddlers Hall of Fame and a Gibsons Guitarist of the Year honoree. Born in 1952 in Richland, Ga., Sanders got his start in the entertainment business as a child singing gospel music. Duane dedicated a full LinkedIn post to Margie after her passing, titled, REST IN PEACE, MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER-IN-LAW!!!!!! Ive noticed this all my life in writing songs, theres a thing called feel, and its magic when you get ahold of it, Frazier said. Gary passed away on Wednesday (April 15) at the age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. 5:47 pm, Knew the McSpaddins personally from the PCofG. When Bush, the nation's 41st president, passed away Friday, Oak Ridge Boys members were ready to show up whenever they were needed. After playing rhythm guitar in the Oaks Band, Sanders was asked to replace William Lee Golden, the baritone in The Oak Ridge Boys, who had left the group in 1987. More than 25 singers have passed through the. Doodle Owens, including 1969s All I Have to Offer You (Is Me), which was Charley Prides first No. Aaron McCune can not only can handle the bass parts to iconic country songs from The Oak Ridge Boys and others, he can go even deeper, and this is bringing the important element of four-part harmonies with bass in country music to a new generation. Then, just three days after Garys death, Duane lost his beloved sister-in-law, Margie. The former Oak Ridge Boys member and gospel singer who once sang backup to the late music legend Elvis Presley has passed away after losing battle with cancer. I had heard the name here and there, but really did not know much about him. American gospel music legend, singer, producer, and pastor Gary McSpadden has died at the age of 77 in Tulsa after battling cancer. I built the first two double-decks. It's not good if you have a heart attack, but it's great if you want to sit on the porch by yourself and pick banjo for coyotes. he is the play-by-play voice for Clinton High School football, boys' and girls' basketball and baseball. Best price! Lead vocalist Duane Allen found his way to Oak Ridge in the 1960s, along with baritone William Lee Golden. McSpadden was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and his condition quickly worsened, Classic Country Music reported. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban about Bonsall's new book and their latest CD. With the Oak Ridge Boys, you have performed 41 consecutive times at the Kentucky State Fair - setting a record. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Who: The Oak Ridge Boys . Friend and brother Jeff Cook of Alabama has passed. He passed a street sign for Elvira Street and pulled over and wrote my hearts on fire for Elvira. He also wrote giddy-up into it., However, the ooom-papa-mow-mow bit came about in a less conventional way, according to Sterban. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Our hearts and prayers go out to Duane and his family during this sad time. After five months with The Statesman, McSpadden joined what at the time was called The Oak Ridge Quartet at the critical moment when the group signed with Warner Bros. Records and officially became known as The Oak Ridge Boys. The former Oak Ridge Boys member was not just a singer, but a man of many talents. If it wasnt for a pact Gary made with his previous boss to return after he was well, who knows, Gary McSpadden might be a Country Music Hall of Famer, and would have never been replaced in the Oak Ridge Boys. After news of Cooks death, musicians took to Twitter to pay their respects. He was 73. The singerswife said he died peacefully surrounded by his family members. One thing about that, if you come to our shows, you see it, Sterban said. For the Record This is a real loss for our whole family, for us and for the whole world. He could convey infectious fun with Elvira, and then write something as stunningly sad and true as Beneath Still Waters, Young added. Sad News, Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall Is Pass Away Expected Soon Family Prepare To Say Goodbye - YouTube Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. is an American singer who has been the tenor of the. You can have a great song and all, but if it doesnt have that feel, it just doesnt do anything. She was 94 years old. Catch Jim live weekdays beginning at 6:30 am for live local news, sports, weather and traffic plus the Community Bulletin Board, shenanigans with Ron . May he rest in Peace in Jesus arms today and give his wife comfort. Gary was a member of the Oaks for some time, and recorded three albums with the group. Please enjoy that song below. Born in 1952 in Richland, Ga., Sanders got his start in the entertainment business as a. The nearest person is about 3 miles away. Fraziers applauded writing ability created a magical feel to listeners, he said in an interview in 2018 with journalist Tom Roland. Under that second appellation, the Fort Payne founded group became one of the biggest country-music acts of all-time. The Oak Ridge Boys came on the Country / Folk scene with the appearance of the album 'Seasons' released on November 30, 1985. In 1981, it had its biggest hit, "Elvira," which climbed to No. McSpadden passed away on Wednesday, April 15th at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a younger man, did you think you would make it this long . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In addition to being a member of these influential musical groups, Mcspadden was a songwriter who gave us many recognizable gospel tunes including "Jesus Lord To Me," and "No Other Name But Jesus." 8:32 am. The Oak Ridge Boys biography and history on AllMusic including birthday, best songs, existing and new album information, and more. . He didnt have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman. Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. is an American singer who has been the tenor of the country/gospel vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys since April 1973. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Although none of its earliest members are represented among today ' s Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Steve Sanders, and Richard Sterban the permanence of the gospel, country, pop, Cajun, and blues group as a whole remains assured by their dynamic sound. He also produced TV series such as Jubilee, and produced and appeared in several music concerts in the 1990s and 2000s, Christian music portal Hallels reported. ESPN personality Marty Smith posted on Twitter, Grateful for the generational joy his talent provided my family, joy that will live on through his music., In 2015, I interviewed Jeff Cook around the time Alabama released Southern Drawl, the bands 23rd album (and, to date, most recent) and their first in 14 years. I know of Gary more from the Gaithers, and they posted a beautiful tribute the other day on the Gaithers Music social media pages. Growing up, he enjoyed fishing, playing trumpet in the . The Oak Ridge Boys began recording songs in a style that helped country music embrace a more contemporary sound, and their look changed with the times. He certainly sounds like he was a fine man. What a life he livedrest in peace! 1 country hit. 1 country hits alongside Frazier and Owens, including (Im So) Afraid of Losing You Again, in 1969, I Cant Believe That Youve Stopped Loving Me, in1970, and Then Who Am I, in 1974. Heartbreaking., Country-gospel vocal quartet the Oak Ridge Boys posted, Heartbreaking news. Then . Website Design By, Oak Ridge Boys Duane Allen: Were Four Peterbilt Trucks Coming Right At You. With Richard Sterban doing his thing on it and the horns just making it first classit had so much magic in it, itd just raise the hair on your arms., Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Getty Images for Country MusicHall of Fame and Museum, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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