I really can’t remember a time when I didn’t listen to The Oak Ridge Boys. There are a few specific memories that stick out in my mind. The first one is surprisingly vivid for some reason. I remember standing in my parents bedroom leaning against their dresser with my cassette tape recorder next to it. I perched there waiting for the song that I had called in and requested to be played. I tried really hard to record the whole song without getting the DJs voice at the beginning or the end. Oh how I remember getting upset when they would start the song while they were still talking! I also remember certain days in elementary school when we could bring a record album for everyone to listen to. I brought “Bobbie Sue”. Another time I was able to see The Oak Ridge Boys in concert when I was 16. This was one of many times that I saw them. We learned which hotel The Boys were staying at and raced there after the concert. We parked out front and waited until the tour bus arrived. I sat in anticipation. Finally, the doors opened. I remained under control until Joe Bonsall (My FAVORITE) exited the bus. Unable to control myself, and with a racing heart, I ran over to him. As a teenager I didn’t really understand the ‘deer in the headlight look’ in his eyes, but as an adult now I get it. 😆 Nevertheless, he was gracious and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I vowed I’d never wash that cheek again. Spoiler alert: I have indeed washed that cheek.

I also remember another day. Last year, July 9, 2024, my husband and I were working at home while listening to a local country music station. After playing an Oak Ridge Boys song the DJ said , “We’ve just received some sad news from Nashville…” Knowing that Joe had been ill for a while and had stopped touring with the band a few months before, we both stopped what we were doing and just looked at each other. It was the news I had been dreading. After 50 years with the band Joe had passed. I felt numb. He had been such a big part of my life for as long as I could remember. I’m sure he was my first celebrity crush. It’s sad knowing that I will never see him again in concert. He was the vibrant one on stage, very animated and always moving about. I’m not sure how they can continue to record and tour without him, but that’s not my decision to make. Anyway, I’m thankful for the memories and the music that I can continue to listen to. Enjoy one of my favorites with Joe singing lead:

This post was written for Just Jot It January and SoCS.

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