Ritchie Oakley (guitar)
Wayne Nicholson (vocals, flute)
Doug MacKay (drums)
Bruce Dixon (bass)
John Lee (keyboards; left 1977)
Bill McCauley (keyboards; joined 1978)
Donnie Morris (bass; replaced Dixon)
Dave Gallant (guitar; joined 1981)
The Oakley Band was formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia by Ritchie Oakley after the demise of the popular Maritime group Soma. Oakley attracted an ensemble of "the best of the best" Maritime players: Wayne Nicholson and Doug MacKay (ex-Horse); 17 year-old bassist Bruce Dixon, from the band Sandy Road and keyboardist John Lee.
In very little time The Oakley Band firmly established itself as the hardest rocking group in the area performing southern rock & blues through a blend of original material and classic covers tunes.
Lee left the band in 1977 and was replaced by ex-Redeye member Bill McCauley.
With Oakley and Nicholson the two principle writers in the band, they set about writing and recording a self-titled debut in 1980. The album shipped gold (50,000 copies). Three singles were extracted from the album for radio -- "Ride 'Em Cowboy", "Stickin' With You", and "She's Gone".
"She's Gone" also appeared on the 1982 Eastern Alliance along with the "I Almost Call Your Name."
The Oakley Band worked continuously touring across the country and playing the summer festival circuit. With a reputation for being bad boys-working hard and playing hard, they shared stages with such heavyweights as The Doobie Brothers, Blue Rodeo and April Wine.
When Dixon moved on to other opportunities, former Soma member Donnie Morris came on board. A second guitarist, Dave Gallant, was added in 1981. Despite their strong following the band broke up in 1982.
Since then Ritchie Oakley has partnered with Sam Moon to form Sam Moon/Ritchie Oakley Power Unit -- still playing occasional gigs together to this day. Oakley also has a long term stint with popular East Coast Country band Fandango. In 1995 Oakley was honoured by the Nova Scotia Country Music Association as both "Songwriter Of The Year" and "Instrumentalist Of The Year". The Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia named him 'Producer of the Year" in 1998. He is currently under contract in the role of Music Director for John Curtis Sampson, ECMA 2000 winner for "Best New Artist" and Country Artist of the Year."
After 1982 Wayne Nicholson joined the New Glasgow band Granfalloon and recorded the single, "Cheater" which became a local hit. After a stint in Calgary, he returned to Halifax and launched his solo career. After releasing his first project, he signed with Loggerhead records and has recorded a total of 3 CD's, which garnered multiple ECMA nominations. His most recent success has been producing the critically acclaimed debut by The Carson Downey Band.
Dixon and McCauley went on to work with Cape Breton's Rita MacNeil. Dixon is currently touring with Roch Voisine. He is sought after for music director positions and is currently working with Ian Janes on his next project.
Doug MacKay has played with Sam Moon, Dutch Mason, Sharon B., and most recently, with Joe Murphy and The Water Street Blues Band; Gallant played with Cheryl Lescom for several years and pursues another passion - guitar repair; Morris is the long time bassist for country artist Louisa Manuel.
Oakley, Nicholson, MacKay, Dixon, McCauley and Gallant reunited on three occasions since officially disbanding.
With notes from Anne Oakley and Peter Crowe
Singles
1981 Ride 'Em Cowboy
1981 Stickin' With You
1982 She's Gone
Albums
1980 Oakley
Video
Compilation Tracks
1982 "She's Gone" on 'Eastern Alliance' (CBS)
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