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If you are lucky.....

At some point in your life you will find that one thing that inspires you. The thing that stirs your soul, lifts your spirit and gives a renewal of purpose.  It could be an idea, a person, place, a sermon, a song, a book, or a lecture from an expert. It’s different for each individual.  And yet, being the individuals that we are; we can become as one entity, united by a common inspiration. Individuals coming together as one for the power of “good.” 

Such is my story of The Oak Ridge Boys.  A story that began for me in 1966.

I knew then, as a nine year old boy, that this quartet of window-rattling power-harmony singers were much more than another Gospel group.  The Oaks had something that set them so far apart from the glut of quartets and trios of the day and I was determined to find out. The more times I went to their shows and the more times I talked to them, that “something” began to come into perfect focus. 

I watched, very closely, the audiences they sang for. I listened to the comments that concert goers would offer about The Boys. 

Being in radio, I also paid attention to the songs they recorded, which ones were hits and I still marvel at the longevity, stamina and drive the Oak Ridge Boyz continue to display through their work.  The music of The Oaks is indeed alive, real and from the heart. 

As a group, they’ve known the toughest of  business times and as individuals have had to fight tooth and nail to stay afloat and in a positive state of mind, ever moving forward. The Oak Ridge Boys have learned the art of changing with the times, but not leaving their mission and purpose by the wayside.  The Boys are about as real as real gets! 

In case you’re wondering what that “something” is that I see and get from the Oak Ridge Boys... I’m glad to say in a word - HOPE.

They’ve taught me that life doesn’t end here, nor does it end at all.  Like music, hope cannot be snuffed out, tossed aside, or ignored. The Boys keep my spirit alive and inspired not only through their music, but by remaining who they are and for doing what they are for living. 

HOPE THROUGH HARMONY; both musically and spiritually. God Bless The Oak Ridge Boys, The Mighty Oaks Band, Crew, Drivers, management and office folks! 

Rock the rafters,

Matthew Gillian