Joe Bonsall, a beloved member of the Oak Ridge Boys and a Country Music Hall of Famer, passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. His death was attributed to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, bringing his distinctive tenor voice to the group. Over the years, he became a familiar face and an integral part of the band’s success. The Oak Ridge Boys, originally a gospel group, transitioned to country music and achieved significant crossover success. Their 1981 hit “Elvira” reached No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100, making them a household name. The following year, “Bobbie Sue” also found success, hitting No. 12 on the Hot 100 and topping the country charts.
Throughout their career, the Oak Ridge Boys amassed 17 No. 1 country songs and 34 top 10 hits. Bonsall’s contributions to the group were recognized when he and his fellow members were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. The group was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, paid tribute to Bonsall, saying, “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang.”
The Oak Ridge Boys’ origins date back to the 1940s, but it was in the mid-1960s that they adopted their now-famous name. Initially known for their gospel music, the group found major secular success after Bonsall joined. Johnny Cash played a pivotal role in their early career, helping them secure a contract with Columbia Records. Their breakthrough came with the release of “Y’all Come Back Saloon” in 1977, which reached No. 3 on the country charts. This success was followed by a string of No. 1 hits, including “Trying to Love Two Women,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free.”
The Oak Ridge Boys continued to dominate the charts in the late ’70s and ’80s with hits like “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “It Takes a Little Rain,” and “No Matter How High.” Their final No. 1 country hit came in 1989 with “No Matter How High,” but they remained a popular touring act and frequent guests on country awards shows.
In addition to his musical career, Bonsall was an accomplished author, having written 11 books. His memoir, “I See Myself,” is set to be published in November 2024. Bonsall’s love for music, reading, writing, playing the banjo, and working on the farm was well-known. He was also a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. However, his faith and family always came first.
In 2022, Bonsall faced a health scare with pulmonary embolisms, but he recovered and participated in the initial dates of the Oak Ridge Boys’ “American Made: Farewell Tour” in September 2023. However, in January 2024, he announced his retirement from touring due to his battle with a neuromuscular disorder. He expressed his gratitude to the Oak Ridge Boys’ band, crew, and fans for their support over the years.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, reflected on Bonsall’s impact, saying, “When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in Country Music history, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly. His commitment to serving others while developing Country Music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has been made better because of him. Today, we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him.”
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall. In accordance with his wishes, no funeral will be held. Instead, the family has requested that donations be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall’s legacy will live on through his music, his writings, and the countless lives he touched with his talent and spirit. His contributions to the Oak Ridge Boys and the country music industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Source: Variety, WVLT, The Times
