Starting out as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the Southern gospel group eventually changed its name to the Oak Ridge Boys. Founded in the 1940s, the band continues to entertain fans all over the country. Although the group went through numerous lineup changes, the band witnessed massive success with Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall. Producing several hit songs, “Elvira” became a signature song for the band. And while released in the 1980s, the Oak Ridge Boys recently released a music video for the iconic song.
Videos by American Songwriter
Throughout the history of “Elvira”, the song gained the band a great deal of praise as the hit won a Grammy Award, a CMA Award, and an ACM Award. Although taking on a life of its own, a music video was never produced by the Oak Ridge Boys. That was until now. Filming the music video in downtown Nashville after 40 years, the band welcomed the help from stars like Kid Rock, Lorrie Morgan, Big & Rich, and even Trace Adkins. It also continued the legacy of Bonsall, who passed away just last month.
[RELATED: Joe Bonsall Tells the Story Behind The Oak Ridge Boys’ Hit Song “Elvira”]
Joe Bonsall Shared His Love For The Oak Ridge Boys Before Passing Away
While released on Wednesday, the music video already received thousands of views and a great deal of praise from fans. “What an incredible video!!! Truly warms my heart seeing not just Joe but all the Oaks in this video, doing what they love!! Also great seeing that Ben James was included, it probably meant the world to him!!” One fan added, “THANK YOU, THE OAK RIDGE BOYS. That’s the best video in a long time. There is much to take in with all the celebrities and a great song.”
Back in 2023, the Oak Ridge Boys announced their farewell tour with dates extending into 2024. But at the beginning of the year, Bonsall revealed his retirement from the road as his battle with ALS continued.
Although passing away at 76 years old, Bonsall discussed his long history with the Oak Ridge Boys, declaring, “It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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