"On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys" is more than the title suggests

When Joe Bonsall's latest book arrived in my mailbox recently, I didn't just delve in and start reading page one.

That I wanted to read Bonsall's latest offering, On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys (Harvest House Publishers) would not be that much of a surprise to those who know me best. If someone walks into my office, they might hear me singing – on key, I hope – “You're the One,” or “Jesus is the Man for the Hour.”

So, yep, I am a fan and have been since before Bonsall brought his non-stop energy to the legendary quartet.

But when I opened that Amazon package, I first went to Chapter 18.

That portion is called, “Going Social,” and I suspected there was going to be something in that chapter in which I would be very interested. More on that later.

Bonsall's latest book is full of stories of the struggles and the opportunities the Oaks have had over 42 years. While the Oaks have not had a big hit in a while, they routinely play to sold out concert halls and arenas today.
That staying power is simply remarkable.

When I started following the Oaks as a teenager, they were a gospel quartet like none other: They had a full band. With hair a little longer than the buttoned down groups of the day and a pianist who went by the name “Tarzan,” The Oaks were a breath of fresh air.

It was only later that I learned some in the gospel music industry were unhappy with that image and encouraged people to walk out when the Oaks took the stage. Thankfully, I never witnessed a walkout but do remember the complaints about the Oaks not looking or acting like a gospel group.

To my 16-year-old heart, that made me love their music even more. They were very, very cool with an unmistakable sound.

Bonsall briefly talks about that stage in the group's life and the major role another of my musical heroes, Johnny Cash, played in their success.

And he gives the glory to God for their success in the country music field. When I started reading, I was noting how many times Bonsall give credit to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the group's success.
I soon lost count.

One note I found very touching is found on page 49 where he notes they were scheduled for a show on Sept. 12, 2001. With the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 happening the day before, Bonsall says the Oaks were understandably drained and he wondered if they would cancel their trip. The group prayed together via conference call and went on with the show, which greatly uplifted the audience.

I smiled when I got to page 27 and I realized that the book, which was released several weeks ago, was already dated. In a section about some of their awards, Bonsall writes, “One award, though, has eluded us – the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame. I'm not sure if this will ever happen, but if it ever did, it would be the greatest of all honors! Perhaps one day it will happen. I can only hope we are still breathing oxygen if it does!”

As any Oaks fan knows, the Boys were selected for the Hall of Fame in mid-April. It was far too long in coming, but very well deserved.

There are so many incredible tales and anecdotes ranging from the funny – Bonsall's recounting of the Oaks' ties to Olivia Newton-John through a tour bus is side-splitting! – to the serious or patriotic. Chapters on their relationships with Presidents, especially the Bushes, and singing the National Anthem at countless sporting events could have been written in red, white and blue ink.

Now, about Chapter 18, “Going Social.” It is a section about the group's very visible presence on social media.

As he had told me via e-mail, Bonsall reprinted a note I sent him last June.

The Oaks were going to be in concert at Renfro Valley and I put on Twitter about taking my 85-year-old mother to the show that night and Joe saw the tweet. Toward the end of the show, Joe was talking about some of their friends at the concert when he said, “Where is John Herndon?” When I raised my hand, he grinned and said something like, “We don't want to talk to you, we just want to say hello to your mom!”

My wife and I cracked up laughing. Mom was astonished.

The next day, I sent Joe a message, basically telling some things he did not know, that she had been a long-time fan but was unable to get around much anymore because of a serious stroke. One of the first things she remembered after the stroke was that she was supposed to see the Oak Ridge Boys a few weeks later, so I made sure she went to the concert. (The story can be found on pages 182-184.)

Joe was touched and asked if he could use the note in a book he was working on. I agreed. Later that same day, I received a personal note from lead singer Duane Allen, who I had interviewed nearly a year before. Bonsall had forwarded my message to Allen, who was also touched and was very kind in his e-mail

The point Joe Bonsall was making in using my story, along with another one in the chapter, was the Oak Ridge Boys' way is to treat people well.

This Kentucky sports writer who sometimes writes about faith and music found The Oaks live that belief.

And that attitude is why Joe Bonsall's book about life On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys is more than just a musical memoir. It's about how life can be lived when one's focus is on God and making life better for others.