I have always been a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys, as far back as 11 years old which is when I got my first country music album for Christmas. The album was "Fancy Free" by the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. I have this band to thank for fueling my passion for country music for more than 25 years. I never thought I'd ever get to call any of them friends. I mean, how many people get to meet their musical heroes and establish a real friendship? I am one of those lucky people.

I had met Joe Bonsall, the energetic, curly haired, moustached member of the Oak Ridge Boys on Twitter. We talked back and forth about everything from music to baseball to college football to just everyday life. He is so down to earth and such a great person, you can't help but like him. I found out that their 2010 tour was stopping in Smithfield, NC which is a short drive from my home, so you KNOW I was there come hell or high water. I told Joe I was going to be there and we arranged to finally meet in person after the show. Mom and I arrived at the show, were taken to our front row seats (thank you Joe!) and were giddy as teenagers through the entire show, singing at the top of our tone deaf lungs to "Elvira" and other hits.

When the show was over, I got a message from Joe asking where we were. I called him and he said to come to the front door of the bus and he'd come out for awhile. Wow, me at the front door of country music heaven, the Oak Ridge Boys bus! We wandered over to the bus and just as we stepped up to the door, the gates of heaven opened, I heard angels sing and there was my friend, Joe, with that big familiar friendly smile. I got my hug and we stood and talked for awhile. It was so nice to just see him in relaxed,  "non performer" mode, and talk about everyday stuff. As we were leaving, the doors to the bus opened again and out came Duane Allen! I had been talking to Duane on Twitter as well so this was an added surprise! I got my hug from him, talked for a minute and he went back into the bus to relax from the show. 

The show was in October, it's now December and the smile on my face as I write this is just as big as it was the day I met my musical heroes, legends of the country music industry. I'm so thankful that I am able to count Joe and Duane as friends. I'm a lucky girl. Thanks guys for changing my life, for making it better and for sharing your talent with millions of people everyday. You're what country music is all about.

Footnote: Joe did an interview for my new music promotions website, I've attached it below as well. He's such a great speaker.