The Oak Ridge Boys Honored With Their Own Bridge in Their Hometown of Hendersonville, Tennessee

Few honors are as meaningful as being recognized by the community you’ve proudly called home for decades. For The Oak Ridge Boys, that moment became a reality when the City of Hendersonville, Tennessee, officially dedicated “The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge,” celebrating the legendary group’s extraordinary contributions to country music, gospel music, and the local community. The bridge spans Drakes Creek along Johnny Cash Parkway (U.S. Highway 31E), a fitting location in one of country music’s most historic cities.

The honor was years in the making. During Tennessee’s 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed legislation designating the bridge as “The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge.” A public dedication ceremony was later held in Hendersonville, where city leaders, state officials, family members, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate the occasion.

For the members of The Oak Ridge Boys, the recognition carried deep personal meaning because Hendersonville has been home for much of their lives. Long before the city grew into one of Tennessee’s most vibrant communities, the group had already put down roots there, raising families, building friendships, and becoming active supporters of local schools, parks, and charitable causes.

Lead singer Duane Allen reflected on the incredible growth of Hendersonville over the years, noting that when he first joined the group in the 1960s, the town was much smaller. He described having a bridge named after the group as one of the greatest honors they could receive from the community they proudly call home.

Bass singer Richard Sterban shared similar emotions, saying there is no greater honor than being recognized by your hometown. After living, working, and raising their families in Hendersonville for more than fifty years, he said the bridge would forever remind them of the special place the city holds in their hearts.

Baritone William Lee Golden, who has lived in Hendersonville since the mid-1960s, also expressed his gratitude. He recalled photographing sunsets over Old Hickory Lake and raising his four sons there, describing the city as a place that had given so much to both him and the group throughout their remarkable journey.

City leaders explained that the bridge symbolizes more than a physical landmark. They noted that The Oak Ridge Boys have served as a “bridge” between generations of music fans, blending gospel and country traditions while proudly representing Hendersonville wherever they performed around the world. Their music and community involvement made the bridge dedication an especially fitting tribute.

The recognition also comes during an emotional period in the group’s history. After the passing of longtime member Joe Bonsall in 2024, the bridge stands as a lasting tribute not only to the band’s musical achievements but also to the enduring friendship and legacy shared by its members. It ensures that future generations will remember the profound impact The Oak Ridge Boys have had on both their hometown and country music.

For fans driving across the bridge today, the sign is more than a name on a roadway. It represents decades of unforgettable songs, countless live performances, unwavering faith, and a group whose influence has reached far beyond the stage.

In a career filled with Grammy Awards, Hall of Fame inductions, and international recognition, receiving such a heartfelt tribute from the city they have loved for generations may be among the most meaningful honors of all. Hendersonville’s message is clear: The Oak Ridge Boys are more than music legends—they are part of the city’s identity, and their legacy will continue to inspire everyone who crosses The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge.