On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Joe Bonsall, renowned for his high tenor voice with The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, died from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 76 years old. His publicist and the band’s social media accounts confirmed his death at his residence in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Bonsall retired from touring in January due to his battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He became a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, originally a Southern gospel group, in 1973 and was instrumental in their transition to country music in the late 1970s, a move that brought them significant success.
The group, with Bonsall as a key member, scored 17 number-one singles on Billboard’s Top Country Songs chart, including “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue” which became crossover hits. “Elvira” even reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. The Oak Ridge Boys also had three number-one albums on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, with “Fancy Free” and “Bobbie Sue” making it to the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, recognized Bonsall’s significant contributions to the group. He said, “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.”
The Oak Ridge Boys garnered numerous accolades throughout their career, including five Grammy Awards. Their hit “Elvira” won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. They also secured two CMA and four ACM Awards, among others. In 2015, their impact on the music industry was recognized with an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, reflected on Bonsall’s influence: “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.”
Besides his musical talents, Bonsall was also a prolific author, having penned 11 books. His latest memoir, “I See Myself,” is set to be released in November. His writings often depicted his profound faith and experiences with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Bonsall 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.
Bonsall’s passing is felt deeply within the music community. His colleagues and fans are mourning the loss while celebrating his legacy.
Bonsall had requested that instead of a funeral, donations be made to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. This request is a testament to his lifelong commitment to raising awareness and supporting research for the disease that eventually claimed his life.
Bonsall’s death occurred only eight days after the demise of William “Rusty” Golden, a musician, songwriter, and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden. Rusty Golden died at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at the age of 65.
