Joe Bonsall, celebrated tenor in the gospel and country band The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at the age of 76.
Grammy award-winner and well-known Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall has passed away
By MARIA SHERMAN Associated Press, KAITLYN HUAMANI Associated Press
Jul 09, 2024 08:14 PM
Joe Bonsall, Grammy award winner and celebrated tenor of the country and gospel group the Oak Ridge Boys , died Tuesday. He was 76.
Bonsall passed away from complications from Amyotrophic Lateal Sclerosis in the statement of representatives from his family.
“Joe enjoyed singing. He loved reading. He was a prolific writer,” the statement read. “He was a fan of playing banjo. He was a fan of farming on his farm. He also enjoyed baseball, especially the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Jesus was always first, and so did his familyWe will be seeing his face again in”the Promised Day.”
The Philadelphia native, and a resident from Hendersonville, Tennessee, Bonsall quit his gospel group, The Keystones and joined The Oak Ridge Boys, which was formed during the late 1940s. The group went through its golden era during the ’80s and beyond, including the group’s signature song from 1981, “Elvira,” its 1982 smash “Bobbie Sue” and 1983’s “American Made.” “Elvira” represented a huge crossover to the entire group making it to the top spot at No. 1 on the country charts and the No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS is a form of ALS that causes damage to nerve cells and connective tissue that control muscles during actions like breathing, walking and talking. Most sufferers pass away within three to five years following the diagnosis. The disease was named Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the baseball star player was diagnosed in 1939.
In September 2023 in September 2023, the Oak Ridge Boys embarked on an end-of-the-road tour planned to run until 2024. In the month of January Bonsall declared his resignation from the tour, stating that it was difficult for him physically following an illness that lasted for four years ALS. Ben James, who has played with Doyle Lawson and Dailey & Vincent was named in his place as the replacement.
“I am at a stage where walking is not possible, so I’ve essentially retired from the roads. It’s just become difficult,” Bonsall said at the moment when he announced his retirement. “It was an amazing 50 years and I am grateful to everyone at Oak Ridge Boys, band crew, staff and members for the unending kindness and support they have shown me throughout the years. The memories I’ll always cherish it, and to those who have held me during my time of prayer, am grateful to you and request that you continue to pray.”
In June 2022 Bonsall posted his thoughts on the platform X, previously Twitter and said that Bonsall “could have easily died” due to embolisms in the lungs.
The memoir of his father, “I See Myself,” will be published on November 1st, his birthday. This is his 11th novel and is a collection that includes a four-part children’s book series, “The Molly Books.”
Through his time in The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was a part of the Grand Ole Opry. He was admitted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame as well as The Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“For fifty times, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. He was a captivating performer as anyone else who has was on a country or gospel scene,” Kyle Young, director for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Museum, wrote in a statement written by the organization. “His Tenor voice was strong and crisp, and the jovial attitude of his personality always gave a rush of energy that immediately exhorted crowds to join to the stage and let their stress melt away. He certainly eased our worries each time the singer sang.”
John Rich of country music duo Big & Rich shared an obituary on the anniversary of. Country music is crying now,” he wrote. “Joe was a true person I could count on and was awed by not just in his professional career, but also as man. He’s left behind astounding music, and endless stories of his kindness.”
Country music artist Travis Tritt also paid dedication to the Bonsall on X the site, writing “Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.”
Bonsall remains with his spouse Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina as well as his sister Nancy and his granddaughter Breanne and grandchild Luke and great-grandsons, Chance and Grey.