# Oak Ridge Boys' First Crossover Hit

> The Oak Ridge Boys scored their first crossover hit with 'Sail Away' in 1979.
- Title: Oak Ridge Boys' First Crossover Hit · American Songwriter
- Summary: The Oak Ridge Boys scored their first crossover hit with 'Sail Away' in 1979. The Oak Ridge Boys released 'Sail Away' in 1979, becoming their first crossover…
- Keywords: oak ridge boys, sail away, 1979, crossover hit, billboard adult contemporary, music, culture, Oak, Ridge, Boys', First, Crossover
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/remember-when-the-oak-ridge-boys-scored-their-first-crossover-hit-in-1979
- Author: Gayle Thompson
- Published: 2026-10-20T11:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oak ridge boys, sail away, 1979, crossover hit, billboard adult contemporary, music, culture
## First Crossover Hit
The Oak Ridge Boys released their first crossover hit, 'Sail Away', in 1979.
## Song Background
The song describes a man sailing across water to reach the woman he loves.
## Kenny Rogers Version
Kenny Rogers included 'Sail Away' on his 1979 UK album but not as a US single.
## Later Success
The Oak Ridge Boys' 'Elvira' became their most popular crossover hit in 1981.
## Key takeaway

The Oak Ridge Boys released 'Sail Away' in 1979, becoming their first crossover hit.