Introduction
The Oak Ridge Boys and the Magic of “Little Things” — A Timeless Gem from 1985
In 1985, The Oak Ridge Boys stood at the height of their career — a golden era defined by harmony, heart, and a sound that blended gospel soul with country swagger. Fresh off a string of chart-topping hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue,” the group released a song that, while quieter than their biggest anthems, captured the very essence of who they were. That song was “Little Things.”
Written by Billy Barber and featured on their 1985 album Step On Out, “Little Things” reminded fans that life’s greatest treasures don’t come wrapped in gold or measured in fame. It was a tender ode to gratitude — a simple melody with a message that felt deeply human.
From the opening harmonies, the song radiates warmth. Joe Bonsall’s bright tenor leads the way, supported by Duane Allen’s steady baritone, William Lee Golden’s earthy voice, and Richard Sterban’s unforgettable bass that anchors every phrase like a heartbeat. Together, they built a sound that was unmistakably theirs — rich, textured, and pure.
Lyrically, “Little Things” captures the band’s spiritual roots. It’s a song about love and appreciation — for a smile shared at sunrise, for laughter around a kitchen table, for the grace found in everyday living. At a time when country radio was turning increasingly toward glitz and production, the Oak Ridge Boys reminded listeners that sincerity still mattered.
When performed live during their 1985 “American Made” tour, “Little Things” became a quiet moment of reflection amid the energy of their set. The stage lights would dim, the crowd would hush, and the Boys would stand shoulder-to-shoulder — four men singing about life’s simplest, purest joys. It wasn’t a flashy number, but it always earned one of the night’s loudest ovations.
In interviews, Duane Allen once said that “Little Things” reflected the band’s own philosophy: “We’ve been blessed beyond measure, but the things that mean the most to us are small — the friendship, the faith, the music.” That sense of humility and connection defined not just the song, but the entire legacy of The Oak Ridge Boys.
Nearly forty years later, “Little Things” still resonates. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you — a melody you hum without realizing, a lyric that hits harder the older you get. And for fans, it represents a time when four men with different voices came together to remind the world that beauty lives in simplicity.
Today, as the Oak Ridge Boys’ touring years draw to a close, “Little Things” feels almost prophetic — a gentle reflection on gratitude, legacy, and the quiet moments that make a life worth living.
Because in the end, as the song says, it’s not the grand gestures or the fame that define us.
It’s the little things — and The Oak Ridge Boys knew that better than anyone.