FLORENCE — After singing together for more than 50 years, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys will soon be parking their tour buses for good. But there’s still time to catch them one last time in the Shoals as they bring their “American Made: Farewell Tour” to the area.
“This tour is for you,” said William Lee Golden.
The Shoals Scholar Dollars program will host the country-gospel music icons Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the University of North Alabama’s Norton Auditorium.
The group’s songs populate the soundtracks to many Shoals-area lives. “Elvira,” “Thank God for Kids,” “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “Y’all Come Back Saloon” are just a few of their chart toppers. The group includes Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and newcomer Benjamin James.
In January, Joe Bonsall, 75, announced his retirement after 50 years with the Boys. He said a neuromuscular disorder has made it difficult to walk, forcing him to step away from performing.
“We are doing a farewell tour because we owe it to our fans to say goodbye,” said Golden, a native of Brewton, on the band’s website. “They have always been there for us through the good times and the bad. I will always be thankful to every person who came out to a show, bought a t-shirt, played our music, and overall, loved us enough to spend their hard-earned money whenever they could.”
The Oak Ridge Boys have won five Grammys, nine Dove Awards, two American Music Awards, and are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
“I want to thank God for 50 years of singing with three of my best friends and for the fans who have been there for us,” Sterban said. “This is a celebration and we hope to see you there.”
Click this link to purchase tickets or call 256-764-4661 for more information.
Shoals Scholar Dollars began in 2011 to help local students attend college. Students who maintain a C-average in high school, have good attendance, no behavioral issues, and are U.S. citizens, qualify for a two-year scholarship to Northwest Shoals Community College through the program.
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