Door opened for newest Oak Ridge Boy to sing the music he loves

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

There is no doubt that Ben James loves where he is and what he’s doing these days.

At some point during Friday night’s concert at Renfro Valley, the Oak Ridge Boys will break into a segment of gospel music. And Ben James will once again be returning to the musical roots growing deeply within his soul.

“Southern Gospel is and always has been my first love,” James said in a Zoom interview on June 30. He’s been singing tenor for the Oak Ridge Boys since January of 2024 and is ready to perform at Renfro Valley on Friday, July 3.

The North Carolina native was born five years after the iconic quartet’s last No. 1 song, “No Matter How High,” but he sounds like a seasoned veteran. He sings the familiar songs with ease and leaves his own mark on newer offerings. Fans obviously love his energy and distinctive style.

James famously became the Oak Ridge Boys’ newest vocalist when legendary tenor Joe Bonsall stepped away to focus on his health following the group’s Christmas tour in 2023. Just over six months later, Bonsall passed away after battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

Bonsall famously picked his successor – “He told me to get my singing britches on,” James smiled – and could not have selected a better fit.

“We didn’t have a rehearsal,” remembers James, who had filled in for Bonsall twice before he stepped aside. “I had been listening to the Oak Ridge Boys for a long time and knew all their songs.”

Still, Ben knew he was stepping into shoes that had been worn by a legend. His new singing mates – Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban – advised him to simply be himself.  After all, while Ben sings the same part, his voice and style are different, just as Bonsall was different from his beloved predecessor, Willie Wynn. 

Ben James is good, very good, at what he does. Veteran fans, those who have been following the quartet since their days at the top of gospel music, are often thrilled that one of James’ signature songs has been taking the lead on the last verse of “How Great Thou Art.”

It’s one of those songs Ben has been singing since growing up in Icard, N.C., near Hickory. “My father is a preacher in the Baptist church and we sang in church a lot,” Ben says. “My dad was a huge influence on me. He sang baritone.”

In addition, Ben learned Southern Gospel when some of the big names visited his home church, Mt. Hebron Baptist. Hall of Fame tenor Danny Funderburk performed there, making quite an impression on the young singer.

Ben also recalls another Hall of Famer making a visit. “I remember we had Squire Parsons at our church and you would have thought the President was coming,” he said with a laugh.

Growing up surrounded by gospel music instilled that passion for singing about Jesus. Ben lists the Cathedrals, Gold City and Greater Vision among his many favorite groups and that he stays connected to the genre. “Scotty Inman and I are good friends,” he said.

(When asked about his favorite hymns and gospel songs, Ben reflected for a moment. “‘How Great Thou Art,’ is one, ‘Because He Lives’ is a great song,” he says, “and ‘Victory in Jesus’ is another of my favorites.”)

But when Ben decided to pursue a career in music, he connected with renowned Bluegrass and gospel group Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, singing tenor and high lead while playing guitar. Less than two years later, Lawson announced his retirement, prompting some of Ben’s bandmates to form a new group, Authentic Unlimited.

“I did consider (going with the new group) but I got the offer to go with Dailey & Vincent,” Ben smiles. “I was getting married.”

Ben and his wife, Maggie, now live near Greensboro, N.C. and have an infant child.

Ultimately, during that two-year stint with Dailey & Vincent, the doors began to open for Ben to become the newest Oak Ridge Boy. While touring in Wheeling, W.Va., Ben was able to see his heroes live for the first time and was called on stage for the Oaks’ finale. “Joe handed me the mic and said, ‘You’ve got the next verse.’ And I’m not sure I will ever get over that moment,” Ben says on oakridgeboys.com. “‘Elvira’ was always on repeat when I was growing up. It’s still one of those timeless songs that never gets old.”

The new friendship blossomed immediately.

“We stayed in touch. All of the guys are just great guys and don’t look down on you or think they are better than you. All of the guys and Darrick (Kinslow), the tour manager, just stayed in contact after that. 

Ben James knows he’s blessed. While the Oak Ridge Boys’ peak years came before he was born, he’s singing to packed houses nearly every night out. The reasons are obvious.

“They had 17 number one hits over a 14-year stretch. There are so many good songs,” he says. “I think nostalgia is a great ticket-seller. I know if Ray Stevens was down the road, I would want to go see him because he was such a big part of my life growing up.”

And there’s always that nod to the Oak Ridge Boys’ roots as one of gospel’s great quartets. In addition to “How Great Thou Art,” the group’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” is widely acclaimed and they often add “Jesus is Coming Soon,” a No. 1 hit from 1969, to the set list. Ben lists those songs, along with “Have A Little Talk With Jesus” and “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor” among his favorite Oak Ridge Boy gospel songs. 

And he’s well aware that he has a chance to present the gospel in song every night out. “I think it’s a given that the Oak Ridge Boys are going to sing gospel,” he smiles.

But there’s also the reality that when Ben became an Oak Ridge Boy, the quartet was already on its farewell tour. While that tour has extended longer than expected, he knows it will end someday. 

“You try not to think about it. They are still singing and enjoying it. We will sing as long as they are able. I love what I am doing and I have found that when one door closes, another opens.’

Ben James is living proof.