Joe Bonsall, renowned for his tenor voice in The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. His death, caused by complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), occurred at his residence in Hendersonville, Tennessee, as confirmed by his representative and The Oak Ridge Boys’ social media pages.
After being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Bonsall retired from touring earlier in January. The Oak Ridge Boys, initially a Southern gospel group, shifted to country music in the late 1970s, gaining considerable popularity. Bonsall, who joined in 1973, was instrumental in the group’s transformation and subsequent success.
The Oak Ridge Boys charted 17 number-one singles on the Billboard Top Country Songs list, including crossover hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” “Elvira” climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. Additionally, three of their albums topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, with “Fancy Free” and “Bobbie Sue” making the top 20 on the Billboard 200 for all genres.
According to Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bonsall’s contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys were significant. “For five decades, Joe Bonsall was the driving force behind the Oak Ridge Boys. His clear and high tenor voice and his cheerful personality consistently brought a burst of energy, instantly engaging audiences and inviting them to relax and enjoy,” stated Young.
The Oak Ridge Boys were recipients of numerous awards throughout their career, including five Grammy Awards. Their hit song “Elvira” won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. They also bagged two Country Music Association (CMA) and four Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, among other honors. Their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 further solidified their place in music history.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, noted Bonsall’s significant impact. “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 dedication to helping others and transforming country music into a global phenomenon will always be remembered,” she said.
Bonsall was not just a gifted musician but also a prolific author, having penned 11 books. His latest, a memoir titled “I See Myself,” is slated for a November release. His writings often revealed his profound faith and experiences with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Besides his professional accomplishments, Bonsall was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Ann; daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina; granddaughter, Breanne; grandson, Luke; great-grandsons, Chance and Grey; and a sister, Nancy. His parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall, predeceased him.
The music world mourns the loss of Bonsall while cherishing his legacy. “He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang,” Young said, capturing the joy and solace Bonsall’s music brought to many.
Instead of a funeral, Bonsall requested that donations be made to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. This act reflects his ongoing commitment to raising awareness and supporting research for ALS, the disease that claimed his life.
His death came just eight days after the passing of musician, songwriter, and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, William “Rusty” Golden, who died at his Hendersonville, Tennessee home aged 65.