On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys: Forty Years of Untold Stories and Adventures

by Joseph S. Bonsall

For more than 40 years, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys (40 million records sold) have been on the road entertaining sold-out audiences with their classic hit songs like "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," "Thank God for Kids," and many others. As their fans will testify, an Oak Ridge Boys concert is an unforgettable experience.

These "on the road" stories, written by tenor Joseph S. Bonsall and spanning the four decades since the present group came together, will bring laughter, insight, and heartfelt appreciation to their fans young and old.

You'll read about...The faith shared by all four "Oaks" the backstage goings-on of The Oak Ridge Boys what "the Boys" do on the tour bus stories about special fans they've met down through the years their surprise mega-hit, "Elvira" and how it came about "Join me as I take you on the road with The Oak Ridge Boys. We'll revisit some of our favorite concerts, reminisce about some old friends, and I'll let you in on what happens behind the scenes. Come on along!" Oak Ridge Boy Joseph S. Bonsall

Genres: Music

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while I come across a book that completely captivates me, currently that book is On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys by author / ORB tenor Joseph S. Bonsall!

As a longtime ORB fan, I couldn't help but get excited to read the behind the scenes memoir of the magical musical journey that this band has embarked on for the past 40+ years. From their humbled beginnings as a gospel group to transitioning into a phenomenally successful country music group, the Oak Ridge Boys: Duane Allen (lead), Joe Bonsall (tenor), William Lee Golden (baritone) and Richard Sterban (bass) have always based their successful career on their faith and love for God, family, country, and singing harmony together.

Author Joe Bonsall takes the reader on a wonderful journey as he recounts how the Oak Ridge Boys have lived out their dreams (and continue to do so today) from their gospel quartet roots founded in the 1940s, and how the current members (1960s - present) transitioned into the mainstream country music genre with their first big hit "Y'all Come Back Saloon (my all-time favorite ORB song!) in 1977, to becoming a major household name with the wildly popular "Elvira" in 1981, that made song history when it went viral with a crossover into the pop charts.

Joe provides the reader with a little history of each of the members' lives, and how they came to join the Oak Ridge Boys. You can't help but feel the brotherhood that was formed between these four men, each of them live by the unwritten and unspoken ORB Doctrine that has been a major part of their long-term success: keep egos in check, make few demands, treat people right, be humble, be respectful, work hard, fulfill obligations, be honest and have integrity, go the extra mile, have a good relationship with promoters, venues, the music industry, and fans, and most of all love what you do. Each member of the Oak Ridge Boys brings something different to the group, and when you add it all together, you get a very successful phenomenon that continues to be very relevant in the country music industry today!

This memoir is jammed packed with memorable moments in their 40+ year career: from their first concert together in Cincinnati, Ohio in October 1973, to being on the road with their Mighty Oaks band and hosting concert dates from "everywhere" USA across the years, to their recent induction into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2015 (which is well deserved and was a long time coming in my eyes!), the Oak Ridge Boys continue to bring their special kind of musical magic to their fans at each and every concert. As quoted by lead singer Duane Allen: "Every song has a story, and three minutes of magic," and this my friends is the essence of the group, for their love of gospel and country is passed on to their concert goers in a ninety minute family-oriented concert that is pure Americana at its best!

There is so much more that is included in this inspirational and delightful memoir, but you really need to read this book to get a full appreciation of just how special this group really is. But I will leave you with a tantalizing tidbit to whet your appetite: included is a wonderful array of pictures of the ORB throughout the years, a complete discography and list of awards, and a fun ORB Trivia that every fan will enjoy.

On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys is an amazing memoir that is a must read for every ORB, gospel, and country music fan!

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Lance Lumley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second time I have read this book in a few years- having it on my Kindle first. Each time, the book gets better and better. The writing takes the reader through the days on the road (on and off stage) of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys group- from their early days to how they run their business today. Throughout, Bonsall comments on topics like how they view new country acts and where they view the group in terms of today's music as well. There are heart filled stories about each member, their roles , and Bonsall's respect for them, along with the many Presidents, musicians, and tour members they have encountered through the years. Anyone in the music business should read this book, because there are many tips on how to treat fans, other acts, and even the owners of venues, which professionalism seems to be lacking in the area.
An in depth review can be found on my page at https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now don't get me wrong...I LOVE THE OAKS!!! But Joe makes them and their crew sound like saints and the best at everything. I liked it enough to finish it.

[Branscombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book On One Of The Best Bands Around. I Learned Alot I Didn't Know Before. Highly Recommend For Any Oaks Fan. Happy New Year. 🎸🎸🎶🎸🎸🎼🎶🎷🎺

[Tara Irlbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nice stories about The Oak Ridge Boys. Was also neat to learn a little more about how they started out. My questions about the group were answered in this book.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun read. I loved getting a look at the Oaks which is a group I have listened to my whole life.

[Lance Lumley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book I have read written by Bonsall, one of the singers of The Oak Ridge Boys. The first book, "From My Perspective," is more random thoughts about topics that you may find in a newspaper column, where this book is just what the title says, stories about the career of the Oaks. Bonsall writes about some of the history of the early Oaks, dating back to the Gospel days, to the most famous version of the Oaks in the 1970s-current lineup. There are some funny stories about the travels, meeting people, and behind the scenes of the day to day runnings of the band.
One chapter I really enjoyed was when Bonsall writes about their love for baseball and how certain ballparks have been torn down, reminds him of several memories of places they performed that are no longer there, including Salem, Ohio's Ponderosa Park, which was not far from where I live (it was an smaller outdoor venue that most people never heard of).
I have been a fan of the Oaks since 1980 (when I was only 7 yrs old), and have followed their careers but found out some things that I never knew about the band in this book, like they wanted to record the song "Achy Break Heart" before Billy Ray Cyrus got a hold of it, but management at the record company turned it down, including the song "Bubba Shot The Jukebox."
This book was entertaining and thoughtful, and is well written. If you are a fan of the band, even slightly, this is a great book to read. There is also some great tips on how to run a business that anyone could learn from in this writing. This book was well worth the time.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds so many gems and interesting thoughts and stories! I've loved these guys since I was 3 years old and my first memory is opening a package that came in the mail for my mom...back in the days of record clubs...it was the "Have Arrived" 8-track. I proceeded to put the tape in the living room stereo, and danced around the living room for the rest of the day. Gone are the days of 8-track tapes, but there are still days that I'd like to dance around the living room while playing Oaks. And reading this book puts me in the mind to do just that.

It was so much fun to read the stories...the history. I read some things I already knew, and I also found that I learned a lot more. Reading about all of the little things that led these four men together...it is impossible not to believe. Believe in God. Believe in destiny. Believe in family. Believe in life.

Thank you once again, Joe, for writing what you know and believe...and for continuing to be who you are. You and your words are an inspiration.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite groups is the Oak Ridge Boys - from the time that I was a little girl listening with my dad to seeing the guys performing live - they are always a delight to hear and see. I was fortunate to meet and spend time at a book signing with tenor Joe Bonsall when he was promoting his children's books and he was just a wonderful gentleman to get to know. Joe has gone on to write about his parents in the amazing memoir "GI Joe and Lily" and he shares his views and opinion in his book, "From My Perspective."

Now Joe writes about his experiences of forty years with the "Oaks" in his new book, "On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys," and it is a fascinating look at the history of this amazing group. Joe's witty and yes, sparkling outlook shines through this group of tales - you can almost hear the joy and delight in his voice through his words here.

Fans of the Oak Ridge Boys will love this book, as well as fans of gospel and country music, and great music in general! I highly recommend it as a fun summer read!

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about The Oak Ridge Boys and some of their experiences on the road as well as some of their history. I remember hearing them sing as a Southern Gospel quartet when I was growing up. To read about where they came from and where they are now was a special treat. It is quite amazing the four Boys have been singing together for over 40 years now. I can't think of another group that has accomplished that. Joe Bonsall shares about how that has happened. It's quite a tribute to them. Some of the stories were quite hilarious and others were very heart-touching. Unlike some writers who will write a little about their faith and then use four-letter words in the next chapter, you don't need to worry about the language or content in this book. The strong faith and beliefs of the Boys, and particularly Joe as the writer, are shared throughout the book. It is a real human interest story that I recommend.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ebook from Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley.com for my honest opinion.

If you love Country Music and I mean the good kind then you have to know The Oak Ridge Boys. Joseph S. Bonsall takes us from the beginning on how the group was formed and tells us about each of The Boys. I learned so much and no wonder they was and are still successful today. There has been songs I wondered why they didn't sing and in this book Joseph explains why some songs they wanted got passed up.
As I was reading I could hear them singing all their songs. I may have been born in 1973 but I was raised on The Oak Ridge Boys and all the other great artist of our time and when I read this book it took me back to my childhood. This will be one book I will telling all my family and friends about that love The Oak Ridge Boys. If you enjoy Bio's and Country Music then this is a must!

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys by Joseph S. Bonsall. I grew up listening to their music and was thrilled when they and Bill Gaither produced a gospel music video and CD. That one is my favorite. This book is very interesting, well written, fascinating and even humorous in a few places. It's great to read about their lives and experiences. Sometimes, we think it's all glamorous, but it's a lot of hard work and sacrifices on them and their families. I highly recommend reading On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys by Joseph S. Bonsall. It's wonderful The Oak Ridge Boys keep sharing their talent to bring joy, laughter and that personal touch they have to their fans. May God Bless The Oak Ridge Boys.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Jeannie Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blessing called The Oak Ridge Boys

This book is a must read for anyone who loves this group. The only part I was s not crazy about, was the part where I closed the book. Joe Bonsall has a gift, whether it is his amazing voice or telling a story. This will be a book I will read many, many times. Thank you Mr. Install.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Bonsall does a masterful job chronicling the history of the Oak Ridge Boys as well as the history of each of the current members. It gives a great look at the why& how of their success.

[Demetra Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Joe wrote an amazing book that gives you an inside look the Boys and how it feels to be a performer.

[Lynn Seldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be a raving of The Oak Ridge Boys to enjoy this book. Joe Bonsall tells a great story and I loved it!