Oak Ridge Boys album cover taken at Virginia City's iconic Bucket of Blood 40 years ago
They were known as “The Oak Ridge Quartet” when they were formed in 1945. The name change came in 1961 when they became “The Oak Ridge Boys.” Several members have come and gone over the years, but the mainstay of this group for the last 40 years are the first four men on the cover of this album.
Known for their gospel music through the years, “Y’all Come Back Saloon” was the group’s first breakout album into the more popular country and secular music of today.
Both front and back photos on this album were shot at the Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada in 1977. The Album label ABC/DOT DA-2093 was released Sept. 2, 1977.
The Bucket of Blood Saloon owned by the McBride family since 1931 is an icon in the old mining camp and is renown worldwide.
The photo session for this album was graciously given by the McBride’s in exchange for a Bucket of Blood credit in the album’s liner notes, but in fact no credit was ever given, a major gaffe by group’s producer.
Two tracks on this album “Y’all Come Back Saloon” and “You’re The One” were the groups first big hits. The “Oaks” were given the “#1 Breakout Award” for this album in 1977. They were voted the “Best Vocal Group” for 1977 and were given the “Best Country Music Group” award in 1978.
The quartet were also inducted into the “Vocal Group Hall of Fame” in 2001. Group members on the cover from left to right are: William Lee Golden, baritone, Jon Bonsall, tenor, Duane Allen, lead singer, Richard Sterban, bass. Sterban previously sang with The Stamps Quartet that provided vocal backup for Elvis Presley in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. The other four men on the cover are the group’s musicians.
— Chic DiFrancia is a long-time Virginia City resident, freelance writer, historian and letterpress printer. In his youth he once was a typesetter at the Territorial Enterprise in Virginia City.