A new collaboration is out, and it’s a career first. The Oak Ridge Boys teamed up with Willie Nelson for a new duet, “I Thought About You, Lord,” out now. The song marks the first time the two Country Music Hall of Fame member acts have worked together throughout their legendary careers.
“I Thought About You Lord,” was penned solely by Nelson, and included on his Spirit album, released in 1996. It was The Oak Ridge Boys’ producer, Dave Cobb, who gave them the idea to record the spiritual tune.
“When David Cobb played ‘I Thought About You, Lord,’ written by Willie Nelson, I felt I was listening to a masterpiece,” band member Duane Allen tells Whiskey Riff. “I thought, ‘Willie has recorded with just about everyone but us.’
“So, I called Buddy Cannon, who had recently been producing Willie, to see if Willie would sing his song with us,” he continues. “He replied that he would be honored to sing with the Oaks. When Willie’s vocals were finished, the masterpiece was completed!”
The Oak Ridge Boys recently released a video for “Promised Land,” in honor of the late Joe Bonsall, who passed away in July after a brave battle with ALS. Written by Ashley Monroe, the song was a marked departure for The Oak Ridge Boys. For “Promised Land,” Bonsall sang almost the entire song by himself, with the other three members joining in at the very end.
“‘Promised Land’ is a great example of Joe Bonsall’s ability to capture the message of a great song and communicate that message to the listener,” Richard Sterban tells People. “His performance is unforgettable.”
William Lee Golden praised Cobb for the way “Promised Land” turned out, a fitting memorial to the beloved Oak Ridge Boys’ member.
“Joe Bonsall’s haunting performance seems pre-destined,” Golden says. “Dave Cobb has a unique ability to pair the right songs with the right vocals. ‘Promised Land’ is another Joe Bonsall-treasured masterpiece.”
The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on their American Made: Farewell Tour. Intended to be a chance for the four-man group to say goodbye to their fans, with the passing of Bonsall, Allen hints The Oak Ridge Boys might stay on the road longer than they previously intended.
“I believe the Eagles are on their third farewell tour, so we can at least do our first farewell tour and end it at the end of ’25,” Allen maintains to Billboard. “I think we’re going to probably try to work as many dates as we can and get to the places we’ve not been able to cover this year. We need the audience and we need to say thank you to all of them. The date book keeps filling up. I guess that’s God saying, ‘It’s not time yet, so keep singing.’”
Bonsall retired from the road following The Oak Ridge Boys’ Christmas tour, He was replaced by Ben James.
The Oak Ridge Boys just released an official video for “Elvira,” which features Trace Adkins, Lorrie Morgan, Big & Rich, Ray Stevens, Chase Matthew, Kid Rock, The Gatlin Brothers and more. Watch it here. Find all of The Oak Ridge Boys’ music and American Made: Farewell Tour dates at OakRidgeBoys.com.
Photo Credit: Jon Mir