Philadelphia singer and longtime tenor voice of The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall, died on Tuesday, July 9 at 76. According to a statement released on his official website, the icon’s cause of death was revealed to be complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Announcing his passing, the statement read, “Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first — and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
On January 3, 2023, Bonsall announced his retirement from the Oak Ridge Boys amidst their Farewell Tour to prioritize his health. He performed with the band while battling ALS, a disease that leads to loss of muscle control and slurred speech.
Over five decades with the band, he has witnessed their rise to prominence during the 80s in both the country and gospel genres. Some of The Oak Ridge Boys’ signature hits include “Elvira” (1981), “Bobbie Sue” (1982), and “American Made” (1983). This has spawned the band with accolades such as five Grammy Awards, induction into the Grand Ole Opry, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A familiar face in the band since 1973, Bonsall’s tenor voice made them one of the enduring vocal bands in country music, earning him his own tribute at the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, commemorated his death by saying, “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ spark plug. He was as exciting a performer as anyone who had 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.”
Aside from being a music lover of Southern Gospel music harmony in his mid-teens, Bonsall had pursued a noteworthy writing endeavor outside music. He has written 11 books, including a memoir titled I See Myself, which is set to be released this November.
Before Bonsall’s retirement, The Oak Ridge Boys announced their Farewell tour in September 2023 to celebrate their milestone with fans. Unfortunately, he didn’t hit the end of the road with the band. The Oak Ridge Boys confirmed Bonsall’s death on Instagram.
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Indeed, the country music industry mourns the loss of the renowned country singer. One of his supporters was country singer Travis Tritt. He posted on X, “Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality, and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.”
John Rich from the country duo Big & Rich also posted on the platform, writing, “Country music is crying today. Joe was a real friend and someone I looked up to as an artist and a man. He’s left a legacy of incredible music and endless accounts of his kind-heartedness.”
To honor Bonsall’s wishes, there will be no funeral, but donations will be made to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. His family seeks privacy at this moment.
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