Well… It’s official….
I have retired from my position with the Oak Ridge Boys. It’s been a long journey and so much of it was beyond anything I could have imagined. The places we have been and the experiences we had are almost beyond comprehension. I love these guys and that will never change…I just am moving in a different direction…
I am always open to playing with them anytime they might ever need me, for any reason. Piano, bass and guitar are all in my wheelhouse and I never shut the door on that possibility… But, my little 4 year old great-grandson came to see me today and it warmed my heart more than I even can quantify and made me realize that I have a responsibility to be there for these kids whenever they need me… and I am looking forward to making up for lost time with my wife who has put up with my being away so much of the time for all these years. I spent 50 years on the road and almost 45 of those years were with the Oak Ridge Boys. The numbers sometime make me dizzy. We got to do so many great things…and I plan to keep sharing many of my experiences in this blog from time to time…I am ever grateful for it all…
As I embark on another chapter in my life I still look back, but I am making so much music that I am so proud of, so I am by no means stopping creating, playing, and producing music. I would stop breathing before that would ever happen. I am grateful to be working on these projects with some great talents that bring a lot to the music. I can’t deny that I am conflicted by everything that has happened in the last few months, but I look up at the stars and I try to reach for them. Stay tuned… We never know what might happen next…
Photo credit: Jody Pack (top center, bottom left), Elaine Sledge (center right)
Looking forward to your music!
I enjoyed all the years we followed you – open houses, etc. Still play your CDs. God Bless on your retirement. Miss our coversations.
So sad to read this, Synge, but happy that you are taking the time to enjoy time with your family while you still can. We sure will miss seeing you and hearing you on the keyboards with the Oaks!
What a beautiful message, Ron! I look forward to enjoying whatever you create in the future — but am in slack-jawed amazement about all you’ve done and accomplished with the Oaks. Hope we cross paths again soon!
I am so very happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I know you have felt this struggle for a very long time and when the “right time” should be!!!This is your right time. Sad because we will miss you to pieces on the road!! As you said our friendship is forever. Get that BBQ going its way overdue. So happy for you and Kim!!
This is beautiful Ron.