"I t'll feel real good if rock 'n roll wants to claim us .... We're the Oak Ridge Boys and if country music is claiming us right now, great. If the others want to join in later I that'll be even greater ," That was lead singer Duane AlIen's assessment of the status of the Oaks as they returned to visit the campus a second time. Singing established hits such as "Sail Away/' featuring the bass talents of Richard Sterban, "You' re the One," "Come on In " and an impromptu version of "Dig a little Oeeper in the Well," the group won over the crowd , many of whom left their seats and stood before the stage, seeking a closer look at the foursome. Five years ago the group made a successful crossover from gospel to country with their "Y'all Come Back Saloon" album. Progress in two later releases "Room Service" and "The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived" led them to receive the Best Vocal Group and Best Band awards of 1979 by the Country Music Association. Concerning their recent successes Sterban commented, "We're not trying to tell people we have arrived, because we don' t feel that way. We've been here a long time already. Now we are a very serious factor in the music business, so we have 'arrived' on the scene. " ~ 1. IN A MEDLEY of Moody Blues songs, MichaeJ Iceberg demonstrates his ability to simulate the sounds of a variety of instruments. 2. WINNING the audience from the outset, Michael Iceberg improvises Harding's alma mater to launch his January 19 concert. J. SURROUNDED ),y a curious crowd, Michael Iceberg an- ~ . swers questions and explains the workings of his Machine at a clinic preceding the concert. 4. SINGING "Y'all Come Back Saloon," the title cut from their first new-style album, are Bill Gordon and Richard Sterban. S. FOUR-PART harmony is the trademark of Oak Ridge Boys Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Bill Gordon and Richard Sterban. The Oak Ridge Boys' music evolves from gospel to a blend of country and pop and they test new material on Harding students. 35 Spring Concerts
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