Introduction
RAW NEWS: Oak Ridge Boys Speak Out About Singing to President Bush
Few groups in American music embody tradition and patriotism quite like the Oak Ridge Boys. Known for their four-part harmonies and decades of chart-topping country and gospel hits, the band has sung on stages large and small across the globe. Yet, even with their vast career accomplishments, moments of national significance continue to stand out. Recently, the Oak Ridge Boys opened up about one such experience: singing for President George H. W. Bush and, later, for his son President George W. Bush.
The Oak Ridge Boys have long had ties to the Bush family. In interviews, members of the group recalled that their relationship with the elder President Bush began during his time in office. The President, a known country music admirer, invited the group to perform on multiple occasions, both formally at White House events and privately for family gatherings. For the Oak Ridge Boys, those invitations were not merely performances but profound honors.
Joe Bonsall, the group’s tenor, described the atmosphere of those appearances as both humbling and deeply moving. “When you sing for a President of the United States, you feel the weight of history on your shoulders,” he explained. “You realize it’s bigger than just a song—it’s about representing the values and spirit of the country.” The group frequently performed patriotic favorites such as “Amazing Grace” and “Elvira,” songs that resonated with both the audience and the First Family.
The connection continued into the presidency of George W. Bush. The Oak Ridge Boys were invited again to lend their voices at important national moments, from campaign rallies to state functions. One of the most emotional performances came during the days following the September 11 attacks, when the group sang to offer comfort and unity at a time of national grief. “Music has the power to heal,” bass singer Richard Sterban recalled. “We were proud to be able to contribute, even in a small way, to the healing of America.”
The band members have said that these experiences were not about politics but about service. Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, they see singing for the President as a way of honoring the nation itself. William Lee Golden, with his trademark beard and baritone voice, put it simply: “It’s not about Republican or Democrat. It’s about standing before the leader of the free world and giving your best, because you’re also singing for the American people.”
Fans have long admired the Oak Ridge Boys not only for their musical talent but also for their steadfast patriotism. Their willingness to appear at presidential events underscores the group’s identity as both entertainers and cultural ambassadors. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation as one of the few bands that seamlessly bridges faith, music, and country pride.
Looking back, the Oak Ridge Boys say those moments with the Bush family remain among the highlights of their career. To them, the privilege of lifting their voices in song for a President is a reminder that music can transcend politics and become part of a nation’s shared memory.
Video