Jon Mir
Joe Bonsall, the tenor of The Oak Ridge Boys, died Tuesday (July 9) from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the band announced on its website and social media. He was 76 and died in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring earlier this year.
In 1973, Bonsall left his position with the gospel group The Keystones to join The Oak Ridge Boys. The Oaks, in which Bonsall teamed with Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, found success as a gospel group. They branched out into country music in 1977 with “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” their first of 34 top 10 hits. BillboardRanking the best country songs.
The Oaks had 17 No. 1 hits on the chart, the third-most of any duo or group after Alabama (33) and Brooks & Dunn (20). Two of the Oaks’ biggest country hits became top-20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Elvira” (No. 5 in 1981) and “Bobbie Sue” (No. 12 in 1982).
The group has had three No. 1 albums on BillboardTop Country Albums chart, including two that reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 across all genres – Fantasy Free (No. 14 in 1981) and Bobbie Sue (No. 20 in 1982).
The Oaks have won five Grammy Awards. The first four were in the gospel category, the fifth in the country category, for “Elvira.” The platinum-certified hit won the award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The Oaks won two CMA Awards: Vocal Group of the Year in 1978 and Single of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira.”
They won four ACM Awards – Best Vocal Group in 1978, Album of the Year the same year for You all come back to the SaloonSingle of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira” and Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2007.
The Oaks’ 1979 concert tour, headlined by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, is considered the first full-fledged country tour, Tom Roland reports in this recap of the band’s 50th anniversary.
As a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, Bonsall was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has been inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the latter in 2015.
“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the spark plug of the Oak Ridge Boys,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement. “He was as exciting a performer as any who ever graced the gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a burst of energy, immediately inspiring the audience to come and relax. He certainly lightened our worries every time he sang.”
“When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in country music history, Joe’s big smile and boundless energy clearly come to mind,” Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement. “His commitment to serving others while making country music a global sensation will never be forgotten and our industry is better because of him. Today, we have lost an incomparable energy and voice in the music world. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Bonsall was also the author of 11 books, including his latest, a memoir titled I see myselfwhich is scheduled for release in November.
Bonsall’s final concert with the Oaks was on December 17, 2023. In January, he revealed that he had been battling a slow-onset neuromuscular disorder for more than four years. “I’m now at a point where walking is impossible, so I’ve pretty much stopped riding. It’s become too difficult,” he said in a statement. “It’s been a great 50 years, and I’m grateful to the entire Oak Ridge Boys band team and staff for the constant love and support they’ve given me throughout this time. I will never forget, and for those of you who have constantly supported me in prayer, I thank you and ask for your continued prayers.”
At Bonsall’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.
Bonsall’s death comes just eight days after that of William “Rusty” Golden, a musician, songwriter and son of Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden. The younger Golden died July 1 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 65. Golden said in a statement at the time: “This is the hardest thing a father has to face. I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I love you, my son.”
Bonsall’s longtime Oak Ridge Boys teammates all released statements today, as did Ben James, who was brought in late last year to replace Bonsall on the road. Here are those statements, lightly edited.
“When I look at Joe Bonsall’s life, I see a fulfilled life,” said Duane Allen. “…Joe could do anything he wanted, but what impressed me most was the energy, love and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift of communicating those emotions and feelings in every performance, song and book.”
“It’s been a sad week with the loss of my son, Rusty Golden, and now the loss of our brother and partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall,” said William Lee Golden“Thankfully, we were able to reminisce about those times and sing songs together that kept us going. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers go out to his family.”
“For many years, Joe was my best friend,” said Richard Sterban“We knew each other well before we became members of the Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, loved by all and a true inspiration to us all. He was also the best singing partner a person could have. For many years he bravely fought a terrible illness and was a soldier until the very end. There is no doubt that today he is in a much better place.”
“Joe was a real hero to me,” said Ben James“His singing is something I’ve admired since I was a kid. No one could do it like Joe. He was a great encouragement to me. I feel honored that he chose me to sing the tenor line when he decided to leave the road. I do my best for Joe and the Boys every night, but only Joe can fill that spot.”
Jim HalseyLongtime Oak Ridge Boys manager Joe Bonsall said: “God loves you, Joe Bonsall. You were an inspiration to fans, friends and family, especially me, for 52 years. This is a very difficult day.”
Dan RogersSenior Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, said, “All of us at the Grand Ole Opry loved Joe Bonsall. Fans in the seats marveled at his energy on stage. Those tuning in around the world listened to his incomparable voice as part of his beloved Oak Ridge Boys. And all of us backstage laughed out loud at his antics and counted our lucky stars to have been in the orbit of such a loving, talented, and wonderful human being. Safe travels, my friend. You are so loved.”
Many artists also gave their opinions. Here is a small sample with highlights from their comments:
“I am saddened by the loss of my friend Joe Bonsall. For many years, he was the high-pitched voice of the Oak Ridge Boys with whom I toured nearly every year of my career. Joe and I would have conversations on the road, sometimes before a show and sometimes after, about the audience, the music, and who we are as Americans. My family sends their prayers to the Bonsall family.” – Lee Greenwood
“I have known, worked with and loved Joe Bonsall and the Oaks for nearly 50 years. It is so hard to say goodbye to old friends, especially a true road warrior like Joe.” – Crystal Gayle
“I am terribly saddened and sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. All I can say is in one tone, keep singing in heaven, Joe, your voice, spirit for the Lord.” – Sam Moore (Sam and Dave)
“We have lost one of the greatest human beings in the world and one of the greatest voices in music. Joe was like a brother and made me a better man. I loved him and he loved Jesus with all his heart. He was a sweetheart and every room lit up when he walked in. Sheila and I will miss him terribly. Rest in peace, free from all pain, my dear friend.” – T. Graham Brown
“Joe Bonsall and I have crossed paths many times throughout our musical careers and each time we have picked up where we left off. Many of us are now in our ‘golden years’ and those times are always particularly difficult. I am grateful for his friendship, the songs he left behind and the comfort I get from knowing his body is no longer in pain. RIP Joe Bonsall.” – John McEuen
“Joe Bonsall was a true friend who sang on many of my records. What a great talent, he entertained so many people with his beautiful voice and showmanship. I am so sad. He will be greatly missed.” – Bandy tired
“The concerts I worked with The Oak Ridge Boys were incredible, hearing their beautiful blend of four voices – Joe had a unique sound and talent that is timeless and universally loved, God rest his soul.” – Janie Fricke
“Joe has been a great friend over the years, and this one means a lot to me. Our prayers go out to his family, the Oak Ridge Boys, the band and his fans around the world.” – Johnny Lee
“The Oak Ridge Boys were the first band I toured with. They were very good to me and Joe was always very friendly and nice. You never forget someone who was that good to you on your first tour – they taught me a lot. So many great memories.” – Lacy J. Dalton
“I am so saddened by the news of Joe’s loss. We go back to the early 80’s. We were all nominated for a Grammy and The Oaks beat us! We didn’t see each other often enough. Say hello to heaven, Joe Bonsall, and pray for his family!!!” – David Frizzell (Editor’s note: Frizzell’s collaboration with Shelly West, “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” was actually nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1982, only to lose to The Oaks’ mega-hit, “Elvira.”)
See the Oak Ridge Boys announcement below: