BITTER SWEET, Ky. — At the risk of sounding like a public relations agent for the great Oak Ridge Boys, I want to tell you about their latest release. I know it hasn’t been too many months ago I told you about a live album the group released, but this new album is just too good not to share.

First, a little background; The Oaks began recording many years ago, back in the late 1940s I believe, as a gospel quartet. Starting in the 1950s the group began to get national attention and recorded album after album of gospel music favorites.

It wouldn’t be until the 1970s, however, that the group began to include mainstream country music on their albums. But they brought that gospel quartet sound with them. And boy did it work. These guys topped the charts for years and began a travel schedule that still rivals most performers.

All along, they never forgot their gospel roots, which leads me to their latest release titled Rock of Ages.

This album is just one more in a long line of gospel-only offerings from this talented group of singers and includes selections with Merle Haggard and the Isaacs, a country/bluegrass gospel group who are amazing in their own right, but we’ll talk more about them next week.

This latest album will be available everywhere starting May 26; and while most of the songs on this latest collection will be familiar to loyal gospel music lovers, it will be appealing to anyone who loves great harmonies and appreciates the longevity of this group. The current members have been a part of the group since the 1960s and early 1970s.

I think it is that longtime relationship that comes through in their music. It is a blend like no other and will undoubtedly shine in this collection much the same way it has in their live shows. Their sound is so natural; it’s like these guys were born to sing together. As fair season begins, I’m anxiously awaiting their return to my home state. These guys have graced the Kentucky State Fair every year for nearly 40 years; and once again, I’ll be on the front row singing along with every song.

Oh, I should mention, the Oaks were inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame earlier this year; just one more accomplishment in a long line of awards and recognitions.

In my classroom, the Oak Ridge Boys get four A’s and a huge thank you for remembering where they came from and continuing to bring us great music for so long.

Bluegrass John-son comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.