The interview was done by phone of course, with Richard Sterban in Missouri ready to go on a few hours later.
He needn't have identified himself by name, that basso profundo voice being immediately identifiable by anyone who has ever heard "Elvira."
The Oak Ridge Boys have been staples of the Norsk Hstfest for many years, beginning with the main stage and more recently packing in audiences on the Copenhagen stage twice daily.
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"We don't consider it a demotion," Sterban said recently. "The folks there asked if we'd be willing to go to the side stage, and we agreed. It gives us a chance to spend four days in Minot, getting to know it better, and visiting with the people.
"Sure we work a little harder with two shows a day, but we still must be doing something right, because it gets pretty crowded every time."
When asked if they might be grooming replacement members for a quartet that had its roots in the 1940s, Sterban said The Boys have no plans to retire, either.
"We still love doing what we're doing," he said. "There's a spark that burns in every one of us, and I think you can tell that when you see us. We enjoy performing and creating.
"We've released three projects in the last year or so, and that keeps us going. New music puts new life into us. Of course, we'll be singing the standards at every set, because we know that's what people like, but we like to keep the new ones in, too."
He said the key to their future is their health. "And as long as we have fun," he added.
The group has begun a new cooperation with Cracker Barrel restaurants to market some CDs exclusively through their stores.
"It's a natural fit for us," Sterban said. "Their slogan is 'It's only natural,' and that kind of describes us too. It's been our best-selling CD in years."
They've re-recorded several of the old songs and are constantly adding new numbers to their repertoire.
"We'll include some in the Hstfest shows," he promised. "The newest, 'Back Home Again,' leans toward our gospel side, but not exclusively."
It's produced by Ben Isaac, who has been working with The Boys for a while.
"It's acoustic bluegrass-gospel. It allows us to use our rather solid four-part harmony," Sterban said.
Of the four vocalists in the group, only lead Duane Allen has had classical operatic training. But it's Sterban's iconic "ba-oom papa oom papa mow mow" that has resonated through the years since "Elvira's" release 30 years ago. They may also be readying some Christmas numbers during Hostfest that they just recorded for a new seasonal CD, "Christmas Time's A-Comin.'"
The Oak Ridge Boys aren't just about the music in their private lives. During this conversation, Sterban saw baritone William Lee Golden - he of the long beard - crossing the street to their hotel carrying a canvas and some painting supplies.
"He's become quite an accomplished artist," Sterban said. "And in a relatively short time, too. He exhibits in Florida.
"Joe (Bonsall, tenor) writes kids' books, the most popular is 'GI Joe and Lillie' about his parents. Most of the veterans organizations market that, and there's a video on YouTube, too."
Sterban dabbles in a few things as well. He has a new book out, "Elvis to Elvira," which chronicles his experiences as one of Elvis' backup singers.
"I didn't actually write it, it's more as-told-to Steve Robinson. There are some great Oak Ridge Boys and Elvis stories in it. Best way to get it is through (www.richardsterban.com)."
Allen's hobby consists of "what we do for a living," Sterban said. "He loves listening to music and choosing our next projects. Of course we all are on the lookout for the next number, and sometimes bring a song to the group we particularly want to sing."
They have been together so long, they know who will be singing what on each new song. It's a fairly sure bet the audience will agree with whatever arrangement they choose.
The Oak Ridge Boys are on the free stage in Copenhagen Hall at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and kiosks with their CDs can be found in that hall at any time.