We have to join the chorus, led by Billboard magazine, calling for the Oak Ridge Boys’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Go to their concert this week and you’ll understand why. Sure, their 40-plus years of No. 1 hits — including “Elvira,” “American Made” and “Bobbie Sue” — consistently full concerts and tireless work for the American Legion and other charities more than qualify them for this prestigious induction. Yet it’s the reverence with which Merle Haggard, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Lee Brice and other major performers hold them — which is more than returned by the Oaks — that pushes them to the front of a long line of deserving artists.
“A 2011 induction to the Grand Ole Opry only added to their list of honors, and they continue to play to sold-out audiences, particularly with their legendary Christmas tours,” Billboard critic Chuck Dauphin wrote last fall. “In addition, the Oaks have never forgotten that they were once the new kids on the block, as they continue to encourage and support newer acts over the years — making a great bridge from the past to the present.”
You know what’s great? In this age of rampant self-congratulation for dubious achievements (Kardashians, anyone?), the Oaks seem more than happy with their lot.
“In my 40s and 50s, I’d say, ’If we can give this two more great years, that will be terrific.’ Then, when we’d do that, we’d give it a few more,” said tenor Joe Bonsall. “This is a young man’s business, but William Lee Golden just turned 76, and he stomps across the stage with an energy that is amazing. He is nine years older than me. I’ll be 67 in May, but I’m planning on performing when I’m in my 70s, and I hope these same guys are right on the stage with me. That’s our mindset.”
Their mindset is also to keep the musical quality high and the new tunes rolling.
Their newest projects include this week’s release of “Rock of Ages,” the group’s album of hymns and gospel favorites, including “Sweet Jesus,” written by Merle Haggard and including his vocals.
Although the Oaks are in demand on the road and in Nashville, one can’t help but wonder what drives them to maintain such a full tour schedule and spending off-time working for charities and performing for old friends, including former President George H.W. Bush, who in January invited the band to his Houston home during a convalescence.
“We’ve been good friends with President and Mrs. Bush since 1982, when President Reagan invited the Oaks to play for the Congressional Barbecue,” said Mr. Bonsall. “That afternoon, we were doing a sound check on the lawn, and he walked up and said, ’I love you fellows. You are my favorites, but I won’t be here tonight. Would you mind singing me a song now?’
“We did six or seven for him, and we’ve been singing for him ever since.”
But why continually keep a grueling tour schedule?
“I address a lot of that in the book,” said Mr. Bonsall, whose “On the Road With the Oak Ridge Boys” is scheduled for release May 1. “We love what we do. This is all any of us wanted to do since we were children, and we are still living our dream. And God has blessed us with continuing to do it at a high level. As long as we sing good and feel good, we’ll be out there.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Oak Ridge Boys
WHERE: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. 22305
WHEN: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
INFO: Tickets, $59.50; 703/549-7500; TheBirchmere.com
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