The Oak Ridge Boys emerged from gospel music roots in the 1940s to become a vocal quartet that achieved crossover success between country and pop music through their rich harmonies. The Tennessee-based gospel group achieved mainstream success with Duane Allen on lead vocals, Joe Bonsall on tenor, William Lee Golden on baritone and Richard Sterban on bass.

The group shifted to country music with their 1977 album Y’all Come Back Saloon which produced successful songs such as “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” and “Dream On.” The group achieved instant audience success through their unique musical style which united powerful harmonies with narrative storytelling.