Joe Bonsall, a stalwart member of the renowned country music group the Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Bonsall had been with the Oak Ridge Boys since 1973, contributing his distinctive tenor voice to the group’s harmonies. Despite retiring from touring in January due to his illness, he had planned to continue recording with the group.
The Oak Ridge Boys gained widespread recognition with their 1981 hit “Elvira,” which topped the country charts and reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Their success continued with hits like “Bobbie Sue,” and they accumulated 17 No. 1 country songs and 34 top-10 hits throughout their career. Bonsall and his fellow group members were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Bonsall, stating, “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy.”
The Oak Ridge Boys originated in the 1940s and transitioned to their current name in the mid-1960s, primarily performing gospel music before Bonsall joined. With the support of Johnny Cash, they signed with Columbia Records and later achieved major success with Dot/ABC. Hits like “Y’all Come Back Saloon” and “Trying to Love Two Women” marked their early triumphs, leading to a string of chart-toppers in the ’70s and ’80s.
Bonsall also contributed vocals to Paul Simon’s 1977 hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.” He authored 11 books, including a memoir set to be published in November.
In 2022, Bonsall survived a life-threatening bout of pulmonary embolisms. He recovered to participate in the “American Made: Farewell Tour” beginning in September 2023. However, in January, he announced his retirement from the road due to his ongoing battle with a neuromuscular disorder.
Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern remarked, “Joe’s huge smile and boundless energy were integral to the Oak Ridge Boys and country music history. His commitment to serving others while developing country music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten.”
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and his sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.