Introduction
“Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” – Flat River Band Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys
When country music and family tradition collide with legendary harmony, the result is something timeless. That’s exactly what happened when the Flat River Band teamed up with the Oak Ridge Boys to deliver a new rendition of “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight.” The collaboration bridges generations of country music, breathing fresh life into a song that has already stood the test of time.
A Song with Deep Roots
“Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” was first popularized by Emmylou Harris in 1979, and later recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys in 1980. With its swampy rhythm, storytelling lyrics, and infectious energy, the song quickly became a country classic. It captures the restless spirit of those who can’t stay tied down, painting vivid images of Louisiana landscapes and the urge to keep moving.
For the Oak Ridge Boys, the song was a showcase of their signature four-part harmony, a sound that helped define their career throughout the late ’70s and ’80s. Revisiting the track decades later with the Flat River Band makes the performance feel both nostalgic and brand-new.
Flat River Band Meets the Oaks
The Flat River Band, made up of three brothers—Andy, Chad, and Dennijo Sitze—have carved out their own reputation with heartfelt harmonies and a devotion to authentic country sound. Their respect for tradition made them natural partners for the Oak Ridge Boys, whose legacy has spanned gospel, country, and pop crossover success.
When the two groups came together, the result was electric. The Flat River Band provided youthful energy and a fresh interpretation, while the Oak Ridge Boys added their iconic depth. William Lee Golden’s rugged baritone, Richard Sterban’s legendary bass drop, Duane Allen’s steady lead, and Joe Bonsall’s high tenor blended seamlessly with the Sitze brothers’ voices, creating a wall of harmony that pays homage to the past while moving boldly into the future.
A Performance That Resonates
Fans who’ve heard the collaboration describe it as a goosebump-inducing moment. The chemistry between the groups was undeniable, and the arrangement managed to honor the original spirit of the song while showcasing the individuality of both acts. Whether performed live or recorded in studio, it was a celebration of harmony—both musical and generational.
Vince Gill, a longtime friend of both groups, praised the collaboration, saying, “It’s a beautiful reminder that music is about connection. The Oaks showed us decades ago how harmony could move the world, and Flat River Band proves that spirit is alive and well today.”
Legacy in Motion
For the Oak Ridge Boys, this project is another chapter in a career filled with reinvention and resilience. Even after decades in the spotlight, they continue to collaborate, mentor, and celebrate the next generation of artists. For the Flat River Band, singing alongside their heroes is a milestone and a testament to their place in the evolving story of country music.
“Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” may be a song about moving on, but this version feels like a musical homecoming—where legends and rising stars meet in perfect harmony.