OldiesButGoodies

Country

The Oak Ridge Boys – Dream On

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Introduction:

In 1979, Country music is undergoing a significant shift. While the “outlaw country” movement with its rebellious spirit had captured audiences in the previous decade, a new wave of smoother vocals and more pop-influenced melodies began to take shape. This period, often referred to as “Countrypolitan,” saw established country artists embracing a more polished sound while still retaining their country roots.

One group at the forefront of this movement was The Oak Ridge Boys. Founded in the 1940s as a gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys had transitioned to a country music group by the mid-1960s. However, by the late 1970s, they were searching for a sound that resonated with a new generation of country music fans. Enter producer Ron Chancey.

Chancey, known for his work with artists like John Conlee and The Gatlin Brothers, recognized the talent within The Oak Ridge Boys and crafted a sound that highlighted their powerful vocals and tight harmonies. This collaboration resulted in a string of successful albums, including “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived” (1979), which featured the song “Dream On.”

“Dream On” is a quintessential example of Countrypolitan. The song, written by Brian Potter and Dennis Lambert, showcases a smooth melody and lush instrumentation, including a prominent piano and strings. However, the core of the song remains firmly rooted in country music tradition. The lyrics, delivered with the signature harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys, paint a picture of comfort and security offered by a loving relationship.

The song’s central message of offering solace and protection resonates with listeners who find themselves facing the challenges of life. Lines like “Lay your head down on my shoulder / I won’t let the night get colder” and “Until you wake in the mornin'” convey a sense of unwavering devotion and support.

“Dream On” was a major success for The Oak Ridge Boys. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and helped solidify their position as one of the leading country music groups of the era. It became a staple on country radio stations and solidified the group’s association with smooth, sentimental ballads.

The song’s legacy extends beyond its commercial success. “Dream On” continues to be a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions, a testament to its enduring message of love and commitment. It serves as a significant example of Countrypolitan music, a genre that bridged the gap between traditional country sounds and the evolving pop influences of the late 1970s.

Video:

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Merle Haggard’s childhood was becoming increasingly chaotic when something entered his life that would eventually change everything: a guitar. His older brother Lowell gave him one when Merle was around 12. Merle began teaching himself, absorbing the records and styles of country heroes such as Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams. There were no expensive lessons preparing him for Nashville. There was simply a troubled California kid listening closely and learning how another man’s sadness could live inside a melody. Merle would still make plenty of mistakes. Music didn’t instantly rescue him from running away, juvenile detention or eventually prison. But the guitar remained. Years later, millions would recognize Merle’s voice within seconds. Perhaps that’s because he wasn’t merely learning how to sing songs as a boy. He was slowly learning how to tell the truth about his own life.

Merle Haggard rarely needed to invent heartbreak. He had known it since childhood. In 1946, when Merle was only nine years old, his father, James Haggard, died following a stroke. For a boy who deeply needed his father’s presence, the loss became a turning point. His mother, Flossie, worked to support the family. Merle, meanwhile, became increasingly restless. He skipped school, ran away, got into trouble, and began a long journey through juvenile institutions that eventually led somewhere far darker. Looking back at his life, it is difficult not to see that nine-year-old boy behind many of the adult Merle Haggard’s songs. People later called him a rebel, an outlaw and a survivor. But before any of those labels existed, there was simply a grieving boy who had lost his dad—and never seemed to completely outrun that loss.

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