The Oak Ridge Boys, with Duane Allen second from left, are seen in this promotional photo. 

The Oak Ridge Boys’ catchy song “Elvira” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on this date in 1981. 

It became the biggest hit for the quartet that included Duane Allen, a native of Lamar County. 

The song is remembered for its chorus.

• My heart’s on fire elvira
• Giddy up oom poppa omm poppa mow mow
• Giddy up oom poppa omm poppa mow mow
• Heigh-ho silver, away.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ recording of “Elvira” won a Grammy and Single of the Year honors from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

In the Spotlight

— 2018: Texarkana native Telvin Griffin has a guest role on “Queen Sugar.”

— 2017: Jacksonville native Margo Martindale has a guest role on “The Americans.”

— 2014: Terrell native Jamie Foxx appears in “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”

— 2009: Grand Saline native Chris Tomlin’s “I Will Rise” hits No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. 

— 2005: Shea Whigham, who attended Tyler Junior College, appears in the TV movie “Faith of My Fathers.” 

— 2003: Ellen DeGeneres, who spent her high school years Atlanta, voices the puffer fish Dory in Disney’s “Finding Nemo.”

— 1998: At the MTV Movie Awards, “My Heart Will Go On, a song with lyrics by Will Jennings, who grew up in Tyler, is a nominee for Best Song From a Movie.

— 1992: “Gun Love” by ZZ Top, with Frankston native Frank Beard on drums, peaks at No. 8 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. 

— 1992: “Lovin’ All Night” by Rodney Crowell, who attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, peaks at No. 10 the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

— 1987: The Oak Ridge Boys, with Lamar County native Duane Allen, score a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with “It Takes a Little Rain.”

— 1987: “Against the Wind” by Dallas Holm, of Lindale, peaks at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Christian Albums chart.

— 1983: Honey Grove native Bill Erwin is in the TV movie “Ghost Dancing.”

— 1974: Gilmer native Johnny Mathis is a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”

— 1974: Gilmer native Johnny Mathis is a guest on “The Merv Griffin Show.” 

— 1964: Panola County native Jim Reeves’ “Love Is No Excuse” peaks at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

— 1963: Texarkana native Parnelli Jones wins the Indianapolis 500.

— 1961: Clarence Lung, who spent the final part of his life in Quitman, has a guest role on “Coronado 9.”

— 1959: Gilmer native Johnny Mathis’ “Someone” peaks at No. 35 on the Billboard pop singles chart.

— 1951: As a member of The Cass County Boys, Mount Pleasant native Jerry Scoggins performs in “Apache Country.”

— 1950; Honey Grove native Bill Erwin appears in a guest role on “Fireside Theatre.”

— 1948: Wills Point native Lee “Lasses” White appears in “The Dude Goes West” starring Eddie Albert and Gale Storm.

— 1942: Whitewright native Guy Wilkerson appears in “Juke Girl” starring Ann Sheridan and Ronald Reagan.

 Happy Birthday 

— 1926: Johnny Gimble, western swing fiddler, is born in Tyler.