In this interview for “News 5 at Noon,” Joe Bonsall of the iconic country music group The Oak Ridge Boys discusses the band’s enduring legacy and their upcoming concert in Bristol at The Cameo. Joe begins by tracing the group’s origins back to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during World War II, where they initially entertained workers on the Manhattan Project as the “Georgia Clod Hoppers” before evolving into the “Oak Ridge Quartet” and eventually The Oak Ridge Boys. He highlights the tenures of long-standing members like William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, and Richard Sterban, noting that he himself joined in 1973, jokingly referring to himself as the “new guy.”
When asked about the secret to their longevity, Joe attributes it to their love for the music, their passion for singing, and the deep love and respect they share as bandmates. He emphasizes their incredible catalog of music and their proud inductions into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the highest honor in their genre. He states that none of the members want to see the journey end, so they continue to tour and perform.
The interviewer mentions humming “Elvira,” the band’s signature hit, and asks Joe if he has a personal favorite song that resonates with him and the crowds. While acknowledging “Elvira’s” immense and enduring popularity, noting the enthusiastic audience reaction whenever they perform it, Joe shares a personal connection to the song “Never Been So Loved (In My Whole Life),” which was his mother’s favorite. He also mentions the variety in their setlists, which change nightly due to their extensive discography. He expresses his enjoyment of performing newer songs from their “Front Porch Singing” album, such as “Life is Beautiful” and “Love Light and Healing,” appreciating their fresh sound and positive messages. Ultimately, Joe states that he loves all their songs, as each one represents a special time and memory in their long career, citing examples like “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” and “Y’all Come Back Saloon.”
Discussing their recent work, Joe mentions their latest album, “Front Porch Singing,” which they completed during the pandemic. He describes how the band, feeling the need to create despite the isolation, connected with their young producer at RCA’s barebones studio. They recorded the album with limited musicians and social distancing, and it was well-received.
Looking ahead to their show in Bristol, Joe assures fans that they can expect to hear a plethora of their beloved hits, songs that are staples in their setlist like “Leaving Louisiana,” “Everyday,” “Sail Away,” “Fancy Free,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” “Come On In,” “Best of My Love,” “Elvira,” “Bobby Sue,” and “Thank God for Kids.” They also plan to include a gospel segment and perform a few tracks from their “Front Porch Singing” album, promising a well-rounded, fast-paced, and family-friendly show. The interviewer notes that many of these songs are instantly recognizable and singable for their audience, expressing excitement for their new music as well. Joe thanks the interviewer for the conversation and invites everyone to catch The Oak Ridge Boys at The Cameo in downtown Bristol on the 20th, highlighting it as a great venue to see their iconic group perform.