Joe Bonsall, Grammy Award winner and celebrated tenor of the country and gospel group the Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. His death was attributed to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a statement from his family.
Early Life and Career
A Philadelphia native, Joe Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, leaving behind his previous gospel group, the Keystones. The Oak Ridge Boys, originally formed in the 1940s, reached new heights during Bonsall’s tenure, especially in the 1980s with hits like “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” “Elvira” became a significant crossover hit, topping the country charts and reaching number 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Legacy and Contributions
For over 50 years, Bonsall was a vital part of the Oak Ridge Boys, known for his high tenor voice and energetic performances. The group’s success included 17 number 1 country songs and 34 top 10 hits. Bonsall’s contributions helped cement the group’s place in music history, leading to their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and other prestigious recognitions.
Battle with ALS
Bonsall’s struggle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, began over four years ago. ALS is a debilitating neuromuscular disorder that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle control. Despite the challenges, Bonsall continued to perform until he retired from touring in January 2024, citing the physical difficulties posed by the disease. In a heartfelt message, he thanked his bandmates and fans for their unwavering support.
Advocacy and Memoir
In addition to his music career, Bonsall was passionate about fighting fraud. In 2019, he collaborated with the Department of Justice and the AARP Fraud Watch Network to raise awareness about elder fraud. His advocacy efforts included public service announcements and sharing fraud prevention tips at concerts.
Bonsall’s memoir, “I See Myself,” is set to be released posthumously in November. It is his 11th book, adding to a collection that includes the children’s series “The Molly Books.”
After a half-decade as an Oak Ridge Boy, singer Joe Bonsall has announced his retirement more than four years after being diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder https://t.co/fr1pLcG6ci
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) January 3, 2024
Personal Life and Tributes
Joe Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; sister Nancy; granddaughter Breanne; grandson Luke; and great grandsons Chance and Grey. In a statement, his family shared, “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.”
Tributes poured in from the music community. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Bonsall’s vibrant spirit and clear tenor voice, noting how he “lightened our cares every time he sang.” Country music artists John Rich and Travis Tritt also shared their condolences, highlighting Bonsall’s talent and kind-hearted nature.
Joe Bonsall’s legacy as a mainstay of the Oak Ridge Boys and a beloved figure in country and gospel music will endure. His remarkable career, coupled with his advocacy and literary contributions, leaves an indelible mark on the music world and beyond.
