This really makes me smile. My momma an I never missed a Saturday afternoon watching Porter. She took me to see Porter live when Norma Jean was still with the band.I was hooked then and have been ever since.
I don't know why folks rag on Buck Trent's electrified banjo? It's so twangy,countrified and unique to the Wagonmaster sound. I think its fantastic and that's about all I have to say about that.
Because he was a showboat, stepped over others playing, 3 times too loud. Not to mention it sounded like crap. That's coming from someone who plays banjo and other instruments. Buck was very talented, just didn't use it like he should've. He wouldn't have made it other bands, they wouldn't put up with that crap. A 5 string banjo is acoustic and should stay that way. If you want it to sound like a steel, then play a steel.
Oaks: Duane Allen (lead), Willie Wynn (Tenor), William Lee Golden (Baritone), Herman Harper (Bass). I think this was the last lineup before Joe Bonsall & Richard Sterban joined the group.
Willie sang for a brief time after Richard left the Stamps and joined the Oak Ridge Boys. They did an episode of Hee Haw with the Richard/Duane/William/Willie lineup and then Joe came aboard shortly later
Jeff Miller, Noel Fox replaced Herman Harper in 1968. Then, Richard Sterban replaced Noel Fox in 1972. Joe Bonsall replaced Willie Wynn in the fall of 1973 and their country music vocal lineup was set. Several personnel changes in their band also occurred between 1970 and 1976, prior to their switch to full-time country music in 1977.
Dolly Pardon started on the Porter Wagner Show in 1967 , She signed a 5 year contract, But stayed till 1974. Porter didn't want her to leave. She wrote this song for Porter " I will Always Love You "..Whitney Houston recorded it , for the movie Bodyguard. I love both versions, Dolly and Whitney's!!
The Oaks gospel groups last bass singer was Noel Fox, who took over that position from Herman Harper. Noel and Willy left when they decided to go country.
There are two that are currently Oak Ridge Boys. The lead singer is the same lead they have had since this time, Duane Allen. From Duane, the third one over is William Lee Golden, without the beard. I'm not sure who the others are.
