Introduction
HOME, HARMONY & HERITAGE — THE OAK RIDGE BOYS HONORED WITH THEIR OWN BRIDGE IN HENDERSONVILLE, TENNESSEE!
Some honors carry more weight than trophies or plaques — they speak of legacy, community, and the deep roots that grow over a lifetime. That’s exactly what happened when the city of Hendersonville, Tennessee, unveiled a new landmark this year: a bridge named in honor of The Oak Ridge Boys. For a group that has spent over five decades lifting spirits and shaping the sound of American country and gospel music, it was a moment of heartfelt recognition from the town they’ve long called home.
The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge, as it’s now officially known, stands as a tribute not just to their music, but to the enduring bond between these legendary voices and the people who have supported them since their early days. The dedication ceremony drew fans, family, and local residents who gathered along the water’s edge — some wearing vintage concert shirts, others clutching old records — to celebrate the quartet whose harmonies have stood the test of time.
Mayor Jamie Clary spoke with emotion about what the group means to Hendersonville: “The Oak Ridge Boys have represented this city with class, faith, and humility. Their music has reached millions, but they’ve never forgotten where home is.”
As the sun broke through the clouds, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall’s family members stood together, visibly moved by the gesture. It was bittersweet for fans and the band alike — Joe Bonsall, who passed away earlier this year, was deeply missed. His wife and daughter attended the ceremony, holding back tears as his name was read aloud. “Joe would’ve loved this,” Golden said softly. “He always believed Hendersonville was more than a home — it was part of our story.”
The bridge, which crosses part of the Cumberland River, is more than a piece of infrastructure — it’s a symbol. Much like their music, it connects people. The Oak Ridge Boys spent their lives building bridges through song — between gospel and country, between generations, and between heaven and earth with their timeless harmonies.
During the ceremony, a local choir performed “Elvira” and “Thank God for Kids,” prompting a few smiles and plenty of singing along from the crowd. When the Boys themselves took the microphone, their gratitude was quiet but genuine. Duane Allen said, “You never start out thinking something like this could happen. We just wanted to sing songs that mattered. To know our hometown feels this way about us… that’s the real reward.”
For Hendersonville, a town already rich with country music history, the Oak Ridge Boys Bridge joins a long list of landmarks celebrating the artists who’ve made the community proud — from Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty. But this particular dedication felt especially personal. These were men who lived here, worshipped here, raised families here, and gave back time and time again to the people who gave them their start.
As the ribbon was cut and the crowd cheered, the sound of their laughter carried across the water — the same warmth that’s filled stages around the world since the 1970s. The Oak Ridge Boys’ journey, from gospel quartets and smoky honky-tonks to Grammy Awards and Grand Ole Opry stages, has been a story of friendship, perseverance, and faith. And now, that story is quite literally etched into the landscape of the place they love most.
The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge isn’t just a monument to four men and their music — it’s a living reminder of how deeply art can root itself in a community. Every car that crosses it, every local who drives by, will see those names and remember: these voices, these songs, and this spirit helped define not just country music, but the heart of Hendersonville itself.
In a world that changes fast, it’s comforting to know that some things — like harmony, home, and the legacy of The Oak Ridge Boys — will always stand strong.