Wednesday, September 21, 2011

9/21 Oak Ridge Boys' Richard Sterben, Francis Coppola Winery

What's Cookin' Today

The Oak Ridge Boys' Own
Richard Sterben Visits With Us To Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Elvirathe Grand Ole Opry Induction and their Cracker Barrel Exclusive Release "It's Only Natural"

The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member Jimmy Dickens. The legendary country music group made up of William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen was invited to join the Opry last month by Dickens, who surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4’11” William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses.

The group was surprised on stage by a video greeting from President George Bush. “I can not think of any group or any person who deserve this honor more,” President Bush said, explaining that he’d been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since he first heard the group from inside the White House while they were singing “Elvira” on the White House lawn. “I ran outside like a little kid,” he said, “and I’ve been blessed to call them friends ever since. I think of the Opry and the Oaks both as American icons, beloved from coast to coast and known around the world. I can’t think of a better union. I love you boys, and my best to everyone at the Grand Ole Opry, one of my favorite places in America.”

Richard began his singing career as a six-year-old soprano in Sunday school in his native Camden, New Jersey. He was a tenor in the glee club in seventh grade, but when he returned in the fall for eighth grade, he was a bass!

He loved sports and music, decided he had more talent for the latter, and developed a simple goal: “I wanted to be in the best vocal group in the world.” Before joining the Oaks in 1972, Richard sang in various groups, most notably backing Elvis Presley as a member of The Stamps Quartet.

He also enjoys fine restaurants, collecting wine, and traveling — particularly to the seashore, where he likes sailing and snorkeling. A fitness buff, he has a bicycle at home and keeps another stowed in a bay under the tour bus. He even has a case so he can check a bicycle aboard airplanes.

Director of Grower Relations Lise Asimont Will Be Taking Us On A Tour Of The Francis Coppola Winery in Geyserville, CA To Tell Us About Their Newest Wines

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, re-opened in July 2010, is the latest venture from Francis Ford Coppola, whose passion for wine, food and adventure is nowhere more evident than in this new production – a winery resort located in the heart of Alexander Valley, California. Among the many attractions at the property, Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a wine tasting bar, two restaurants, swimming pools, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts.

Francis puts it best, saying the winery is meant to be "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life."

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