The Oak Ridge Boys, a cornerstone of American country and gospel music, received a permanent tribute from their long-time hometown this week. As the legendary group proceeds with their final concert tour, the city of Hendersonville, Tennessee, honored their legacy by renaming a local bridge in their name, cementing a relationship that has spanned more than half a century.
Members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban were present for the dedication ceremony on Johnny Cash Parkway. The event served as a poignant marker for a band that has not only produced decades of hit music but has also been an integral part of the Hendersonville community since the 1970s.
Key Takeaways
- The city of Hendersonville, Tennessee, has renamed a bridge on Johnny Cash Parkway as 'The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge'.
- The honor recognizes the group's 50-plus years as residents and their contributions to music.
- The dedication ceremony occurred during the band's ongoing 'American Made: Farewell Tour'.
- Group members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban attended the event.
A Permanent Landmark for a Lasting Legacy
For decades, the sound of The Oak Ridge Boys has been a fixture on American radio, but for the residents of Hendersonville, their presence has been much more personal. The group members established their homes here more than 50 years ago, becoming neighbors and familiar faces in the community just outside Nashville.
The decision to rename the bridge is a direct acknowledgment of this deep-rooted connection. The ceremony was a heartfelt affair, with city officials and community members gathering to celebrate the quartet's impact. The newly christened 'The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge' now stands as a permanent symbol of the city's pride in its famous residents.
During the event, group member Duane Allen shared a lighthearted memory that highlighted just how long he has called Hendersonville home. He recalled his first few days after moving to the city, a time of adjustment and new beginnings.
"I remember my first two days in Hendersonville very well. I got a speeding ticket on both of them," Allen shared with the crowd, drawing laughter and applause.
This personal anecdote captured the essence of the day—a celebration not just of global music icons, but of local residents who have built their lives and families in the fabric of the town.
The 'American Made' Farewell
The timing of this honor is especially significant, as it coincides with The Oak Ridge Boys' 'American Made: Farewell Tour'. After more than 50 years of continuous touring and recording, the group announced this tour as their final extended run on the road. The tour is a celebration of their incredible career, which includes dozens of hit songs, multiple Grammy Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A Storied Career in Music
The Oak Ridge Boys' history dates back to the 1940s as a gospel quartet. The iconic lineup of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban came together in the 1970s, transitioning the group to country music and achieving massive crossover success. Their distinct four-part harmonies are behind timeless hits like "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," and "American Made."
While the tour is a farewell, the members have emphasized that it is not a complete retirement. They plan to continue performing at select events and venues, including regular appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. However, this tour marks the end of the demanding, year-round schedule that has defined their lives for decades.
The Hendersonville bridge dedication serves as a symbolic home base for the group as they embark on this final chapter, a reminder of the community that has supported them from the beginning.
More Than a Band, A Community Pillar
Hendersonville is no stranger to country music royalty. Known as the 'City by the Lake', it has been home to numerous legends, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, whose former property is a local landmark. The renaming of a bridge on a parkway bearing Cash's name further intertwines the legacies of these iconic artists.
The Oak Ridge Boys' decision to settle in Hendersonville helped solidify the area's reputation as a haven for musicians seeking a quieter life away from the bustle of downtown Nashville. They raised their children here, attended local churches, and participated in community life, making their connection to the city authentic and deeply personal.
Decades of Dedication
- Over 50 years: The length of time the core members have resided in Hendersonville.
- 1973: The year the classic lineup of the band was solidified.
- 2015: The year The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- 17: The number of their singles that reached number one on the country charts.
The tribute is not just for their musical achievements but for their role as long-standing citizens. By choosing to stay and invest in the community, they contributed to its cultural and social landscape. The bridge dedication ensures that future generations will remember the group's contribution not only to the world of music but also to the identity of Hendersonville itself.
Looking Ahead
As The Oak Ridge Boys continue their farewell tour across the country, the newly named bridge will stand as a quiet testament to their journey. It represents a full-circle moment for a group that traveled the world but always had a place to call home.
The presence of Allen, Golden, and Sterban at the ceremony underscored the personal importance of this recognition. While Joe Bonsall was not in attendance due to health issues that prompted his retirement from touring earlier this year, his spirit was felt throughout the proceedings. His replacement on the tour, Ben James, has stepped in to continue the band's iconic sound.
For fans and residents alike, the bridge is more than just infrastructure; it's a landmark of loyalty, longevity, and the enduring power of music to build a community. As cars travel over 'The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge', they will be crossing a piece of American music history, right in the heart of the town the band has always called home.