Steve Sanders (September 17, 1952 - June 10, 1998)
 Steve Sanders |
Biography
Steve Sanders was born in Richland, Georgia in 1952. His father, Herbert, first discovered his singing ability at the age of 6; Herbert, practicing a song on the piano, got frustrated and quit playing when he heard a voice down the hall continuing to sing the song he'd been trying to play, only to realize it was Steve. Shortly thereafter, Herbert began booking "Little Steve" Sanders for gospel music singings, where he became a child star on the gospel music circuit throughout his childhood and teenage years, recording a number of solo gospel albums.
He began an acting career on Broadway at the age of 12, appearing in The Yearling. He also appeared on television, including an episode of Gunsmoke, and in the film, Hurry Sundown, directed by Otto Preminger and starring Michael Caine and Faye Dunaway.
Sanders became disillusioned with the gospel music industry, and in his early 20's, moved to Europe with friend and fellow child gospel singer, Mylon LeFevre, in an effort to pursue a rock career. He would record a rock album with a band called Pyramid in 1975.
In 1979, Sanders was tapped by Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden to be a founding member of a new venture called The Boys Band, which also included Golden's son, Rusty Golden and Greg Gordon. He would leave that group to join the Oaks Band in 1982 as the band's lead vocalist for a planned record deal. Although the record deal never materialized, Sanders would continue to serve as the lead vocalist for the band's featured spot in the Oaks' stage show while playing rhythm guitar on stage throughout the rest of the show.
When Golden left the Oaks in 1987, Sanders became the group's baritone singer. He was featured on their hit songs "Gonna Take A Lot Of River," "No Matter How High," and "Lucky Moon," and continued to play rhythm guitar as needed. Growing personal issues resulted in his leaving the Oak Ridge Boys in the fall of 1995.
Following his departure, Sanders reportedly moved to Cape Coral, Florida, working on music demos and commercial jingles. He died in June 1998 from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Solo Discography
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1966 A Young Boys Prayer (MGM Records ESE 4420): A Child's Request; Inside The Gate; My Daddy Stands Tall; That's How He Did It; You've Got To Move; Until Then; Lazarus; There's A Big Wheel; Peace In The Valley; I Wanna Walk A Little Closer To My Lord; One Way Ticket To Heaven.
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1968 I'm Happy Now (Canaan Records CA-4648/CAS-9648): I'm Happy Now; Not My Will; What A Day That Will Be; I Saw The Light; Keep Your Mighty Hand On Me; Just Over In The Gloryland; Keep Walking; Suppertime; When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder; Which Road Leads To Heaven; I'm On The Right Road Now; Who Am I.
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1969 Little Steve Sings Big (Canaan Records CAS-9653): A Cripple Boys Prayer; A Way To Cross Over; I Saw The Face Of Jesus; I Found The Way; The Price He Paid; There'll Be Shoutin; The Wrong Side Of Me; God Is Everywhere; When I Pray; Leaning On The Everlasting Arms; I've Been Changed; I'll Live In Glory.
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1969 This Is My Valley (Canaan Records CAS-9669): A Child's Request; He'll Make It Right; Papa; You're The Only Bible; No One To Welcome Me Home; Peace And Happiness; This Is My Valley; Are You Ready; Road Of No Return; Angels Sound The Golden Trumpet; That's Just His Way; Less Of Me.
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1970 In The Springtime Of His Years (Canaan Records CAS-9681): Bring Back The Springtime; Don't Wish The Good Times Away; Heaven Will Never Welcome A Sweeter Mama; It's Alright; The Road That Leads To Heaven; Happiness; God Bless America Again; The End Of Time Is Near; Tell It To Jesus; Sheltered In The Arms Of God; Lord To Be Used Of Thee; I Won't Ask For More.
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1971 Now (Canaan Records CAS-9702): The Home We Loved So Well; A Great Day; Mama I'm So Afraid; When Is He Coming Again; I Want To Live For Him; Here Comes Jesus; Through The Eyes Of God; It's All Over; Will I Ever Understand; Wonder If Anyone Cares.