Introduction
A Look Backstage: Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys on ‘Elvira,’ Country Icons, and Enduring Legacy
Backstage at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, nestled in Dressing Room No. 1—the legendary Roy Acuff Room—Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys reflected on decades of music, friendships, and one unforgettable hit that continues to resonate across generations: Elvira.
“This room’s got a lot of stories,” Joe said, glancing around the space filled with history. Since officially joining the Opry in 2011, The Oak Ridge Boys have made this their frequent backstage home, carrying with them a deep appreciation for the institution’s legacy.
Best known as the group’s tenor voice, Joe recounted the moment Elvira became more than just another track. “We were in the studio working on the Fancy Free album when a music plugger suggested we try the song. We gave it our own twist, had a lot of fun with it—and you could just tell something was there. Everyone was smiling,” he said.
The real surprise came on tour. “We performed Elvira live for the first time in Spokane, Washington—and the crowd just erupted,” Joe recalled. “By the time we hit Portland and California, it was clear we had something special.” The song skyrocketed to No. 1 on the country charts and crossed over to pop, becoming an anthem still sung by fans of all ages today.
Beyond the music, Joe also touched on his deep connections to the women who shaped country music history. Speaking warmly of Loretta Lynn, Naomi Judd, and Jody Miller, he reflected on the powerful impact these women had on the industry—and on him personally.
“Loretta was America’s Queen. She came from nothing and became a legend. That’s the kind of story that defines this music,” he said. Joe also opened up about the heartbreaking loss of Naomi Judd. “She fought hard, but sometimes those inner demons win. Still, the legacy of The Judds lives on.”
From touring alongside the Judds in their early years to advocating for their inclusion in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Joe’s memories reveal just how intertwined his journey has been with many of country music’s brightest stars.
As for what lies ahead, Joe isn’t quite ready to hang it up. “Someday I’ll go to my farm, close the gate, and not come back out,” he said with a smile. “But not just yet.”
With nearly five decades behind him, Joe Bonsall continues to be a bridge between country music’s golden age and the fans who keep it alive. And as long as the Oak Ridge Boys are still harmonizing on stage, there’s no doubt Elvira will keep echoing from the past into the present.