New Single Track Video

Musician: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Song: “That’s the Way Mama Made It” featuring Ben James on lead

BEN JAMES ADDS A NEW VOICE & A NEW PERSPECTIVE TO THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Grammy Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys have announced the release of their upcoming album Mama’s Boys, set to drop on Friday, October 25 via Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers. This album marks their fifth collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, and was recorded at Nashville’s legendary RCA Studio A and Blackbird Studios.

Building anticipation for the release, their third single, “That’s the Way Mama Made It,” written by Leroy Powell, David Cobb and Duane Allen, features the newest Oak Ridge Boy, Ben James on lead vocals—and is now available for download and streaming on all digital platforms.

“Leroy Powell came into the control room with parts of a song going around in his head,” shares Duane Allen. “He was almost in a writer’s trance. David Cobb and I were there early. Leroy needed help with lines and words. Very quickly, the structure of the song fell in place. I felt it should be a Ben James feature, so we recorded the tracks in a key at the top of my range. You may have heard about songs being written in Nashville, and you go right into the studio and record it. This is it!”

The Oak Ridge Boys have long had a gift for connecting with listeners through their heartfelt lyrics and rich harmonies, and their upcoming album Mama’s Boys, the first to feature Ben James on tenor, is no exception.

“If you’d told me when I was a little kid that I would be on a recording with any of The Oak Ridge Boys, I wouldn’t have believed you. It was a dream come true,” shares Ben James.

Photo Credit Josh Daubin

The group has carefully selected songs that pay tribute not only to their own mothers, but to mothers everywhere who bring life, hope and unconditional love. This album is a heartfelt celebration of the profound impact that mothers, and other strong women, have had in shaping our lives. With Mama’s Boys, Cobb and The Oak Ridge Boys strike a powerful emotional chord, reminding us of the lasting bond we share with the women who raised us.

We talked with Ben James about this amazing opportunity to sing with legends, and the journey that brought him here.

What is one main thing you learned about yourself after performing with The Oak Ridge Boys?
I think I have learned how to step into a difficult situation and to be confident, regardless of the circumstances.

It must have been a dream come true to work with such legends—and such an honor for them to trust you. How do you show your gratitude for that trust?
I think the Boys know who I am, as a person, so I don’t have to go out of my way for them to understand how much I love them.

 

What one piece of advice did Joe Bonsall give you?
In his Philadelphia way, he said don’t worry about what anybody thinks—just go out there and sing your butt off.

Is there one song you especially like singing on stage?
“Y’all Come Back Saloon.” Before I even knew these guys it was one of my all-time favorite country songs. I think it’s the epitome of a rock-solid country song. If you look up the definition of country music, you will find “Y’all Come Back Saloon” in the description.

You’ve been singing with The Boys for a little while. Please tell us a “pinch me” moment when you thought “Wow, this is really happening to me!”
The first time I ever sang on The Grand Ole Opry with them—that was especially special.

You grew up singing gospel harmony, and you’ve reached some top recognition in the bluegrass world, as well as your solo work. How does your own music, recording and performance help you with your work with The Boys?
I started with Doyle Lawson, which was music school! And I’m glad I had that background before I tried to step onstage with the legendary people the Boys are and continue to be.

With your own solo work, please tell us the inspiration behind your songwriting.
I don’t know where it comes from. It’s random. I can be fishing or driving down the road and see something. Normally, I write songs really fast.

Is there a songwriting tip you’d like to offer?
Find people who are better than you and learn from them.

And what instruments/equipment can you not live without?
A good bass and a good steel guitar.

Which Top 5 Musicians inspired you to become a musician/singer?
Joe Bonsall
Jimmy Fortune
Eagles
Dan Seals
Randy Travis

What is the best advice someone has given you?
You’ve got to be tough.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a musician?
As I said with songwriting, find people who are better than you. The better the people around you are, the better you become in all walks of time.

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