After 51 years as a key member of the Oak Ridge Boys, the most popular vocal group in country music, Joe Bonsall passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis complications were the cause of death.
The Oak Ridge Boys proceeded with their final tour without Bonsall, who had been a mainstay in the group since 1973 and had announced his retirement from performing in January, claiming sickness. It was said that Bonsall, who sang tenor on the group’s harmonies, still intended to make a new album with them this year after he retired from concerts.
Crossover fans knew the trio best from their 1981 hit song “Elvira,” which peaked at No. 1 on the country chart and at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also had mainstream success. The next year, “Bobbie Sue” had success in pop as well as country music, peaking at No. 12 on the Hot 100 and at the top of the group’s home format chart. The group has 17 No. 1 country hits overall, with 34 of them songs ranking in the top 10.
2015 saw Bonsall and three other members of the group inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2000, the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In a statement honoring the singer, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, stated, “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug.” “He was the most captivating performer to ever grace a gospel or country stage.” His cheerful demeanor and high, clear tenor voice always gave audiences a boost of energy and an instant invitation to come in and unwind. Every time he sang, it made our worries seem less pressing.
The Oak Ridge Boys had their beginnings in the 1940s and adopted the moniker in the middle of the 1960s, but prior to Bonsall’s arrival in 1973, the group was mostly recognized as a gospel act. After inviting them to appear on his single “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup,” Johnny Cash assisted in getting them signed to Columbia Records. However, the group didn’t experience significant secular success until signing with Dot/ABC and releasing the song “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” which peaked at No. 3 on the country chart in 1977. During that first phase of popularity, “Trying to Love Two Woman,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free” were among the subsequent No. 1 hits.
During the group’s run of hits in the 1970s and 1980s, other hits that reached the top of the charts were “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “It Takes a Little Rain,” and “No Matter How High.”
The Oak Ridge Boys achieved their ultimate No. 1 country hit in 1989 with “No Matter How High,” but they have remained a popular touring act up to this point, frequently appearing as guests on award shows and other special events.
Fans of Paul Simon were also familiar with the group from their vocal accompaniment on his 1977 hit song “Slip Slidin’ Away.”
Bonsall was the author of eleven novels, one of which is a memoir titled “I See Myself,” which will be released in November.
Bonsall claimed in 2022 that pulmonary embolisms had almost killed him. “Bonsall wrote, “God is not through with me yet, but I could have easily died last weekend.” “After six days in the hospital fighting pulmonary embolisms, I’m back at home, but it could take some time for me to recuperate. I appreciate the love and prayers you’ve offered.
After his recuperation, he was allowed to take part in the first few dates of the “American Made: Farewell Tour,” which was scheduled to start in September 2023.
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder,” Bonsall said on X (previously Twitter) in January. I’ve essentially stopped driving because I’ve reached a stage where it is hard for me to walk. It’s just become too challenging. A young guy called Ben James is singing for me right now, and he needs your support and affection. Despite the fact that his voice is different from mine, he is really talented! I’m OK with everything, but the @oakridgeboys will wrap up the Farewell Tour without me! God’s Got It!!!”
“When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in Country Music history,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, “the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly. We will always remember his dedication to helping others and making country music a global phenomenon. He has improved our business and left a lasting legacy. We lost a voice and unmatched intensity in music today. All those who had the good fortune to know him will deeply miss him.
“Joe loved to sing,” said a death notification sent by Bonsall’s representatives. He was an avid reader. He was an avid writer. He was an avid banjo player. He loved his job on the farm. He also had a soft spot for the Phillies. However, Jesus and his family have always come first, and on the Promised Day, we shall see him again.
In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, he leaves behind two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, a granddaughter, Breanne, a grandson, Luke, and a sister, Nancy. His parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall, passed away before him.
There won’t be a funeral at his wish. Donations to the Vanderbilt Medical Center or the ALS Association may be donated in place of flowers. The Neuroscience Research Center and ALS
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