The iconic country-gospel group is celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Elvira” — and the June 11 release of a new album.
The Oak Ridge Boys — Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban — invited me to join them for a Zoom conversation this week, to talk about two major career events: The 40th anniversary of their signature smash hit “Elvira” and the upcoming June 11 release of their terrific new album, Front Porch Singin’. But wait, there’s more: They would be talking with me from backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Now I know what you’re thinking: What reasonably sane human being would even hesitate to turn down an invitation like that?
But here’s the thing: For the past several weeks, I have been living the life of a nomad — have laptop, will travel — while waiting for contractors to complete repairs on my Houston home in the wake of the killer winter storm. Did I really want to have a webcam reveal me seated in front of empty pizza boxes and other tell-tale signs of too much time spent in an Extended Stay?
Fortunately, thanks to the modern miracle of Zoom technology, I was able to cheat by using a fake C&I-appropriate background to get me through the interview. Even more fortunately, the Oaks were gracious — if you notice, at the end of our chat, they wish me a speedy return to my home — and, better still, great storytellers.
Here is the first single from Front Porch Singin’ — “Love, Light and Healing.”
And here, without further ado, are The Oak Ridge Boys.
