ORB Inducted into Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (August 6, 2011) - The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member Jimmy Dickens. The legendary country music group made up of William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen was invited to join the Opry last month by Dickens, who surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4'11" William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses.




The group was surprised on stage by a video greeting from President George Bush. "I can not think of any group or any person who deserve this honor more," President Bush said, explaining that he'd been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since he first heard the group from inside the White House while they were singing "Elvira" on the White House lawn. "I ran outside like a little kid," he said, "and I've been blessed to call them friends ever since. I think of the Opry and the Oaks both as American icons, beloved from coast to coast and known around the world. I can't think of a better union. I love you boys, and my best to everyone at the Grand Ole Opry, one of my favorite places in America."




After Dickens presented the members of the group with their Opry member awards, Joe Bonsall spoke first for the group, saying, "We've always been a friend of the Opry. We've always believed in the Opry and loved and respected every member of this brotherhood and sisterhood of country music. We've been nervous wrecks all day long because we knew how special this would be. This is a meaningful night, and is it different tonight than it ever has been when we've come down here to sing? You bet your life it is!"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• country
• Grand
• Ole
• Opry
• Oak
• Ridge
• Boys

[oakridgeboys]

Thanks so much for the4 love shown to us this week.... joining the Opry has been an overwhelming experience for ALL of us!!!!!!

[godseeri]

Seen you guys in Branson in September, no one deserves this more than you all, your new CD is amazing. your best yet! Love you Guys!

[starr522]

True talent and heart will always rise to the top. Nuff said.

[chatycathy1972]

Joe, Duane, William Lee, and Richard I am going to see you in Nevada next month on a I cant wait.. Way to go opry members

[CaseyLyde]

Congrats, guys!!

[julieypei]

I too could only listen as I am in Sydney Australia!! I am not ashamed to say that zi cried all the way thru the Induction Sspeeches!! Way To Go, Joe, Duane, William Lee & Richard. U guys Rock!!

[betsy2lou]

I have been a fan forever, well since the 1970's . This is so awesome. I used to go to the early 1980 concerts to see Garland play the Piano. What a showman he was. Congats Oak Ridge Boys. In my world the boys never left!!

[stcrfan]

Congratulations to the Oak Ridge Boys. It is about time. There is another Group out there that retired from the business about ten years ago that I think is back to performing Thanks to Brad Paisley. That should also be Members That groups name is Alabama.

[nancestef]

It's about Time!!!! God Bless the Oaks for bringing their harmonies for us to enjoy! :) :)

[oaksfanmamaw]

Thanks for posting this, I too listened, but wanted so much to see it. Thanks!!!

Congratulations to the BOYS! So glad you made it.