On July 9, 2024, Joe Bonsall, a key member of the enduring country-gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at 76. He died from complications due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The neurodegenerative disease is more commonly referred to as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition in 1939.
Bonsall rounded out The Oak Ridge Boys’s unique four-part harmony with his tenor vocal range. His influence reached far and wide. In light of his passing, those who knew him are taking time to acknowledge the impact he had on their musical endeavors and the music industry as a whole.
An Exciting Performer with a Jovial Spirit
Oak Ridge Boys band members (L-R): William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, and Richard Sterban. Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau/CC BY-ND 2.0
Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973. His addition completed the group’s final lineup. For 50 years, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban shared the stage with the tenor vocalist. They performed their celebrated brand of music, a unique fusion of country, gospel, and bluegrass.
While his crisp vocals provided warmth and depth to the band’s music onstage, his offstage presence was equally impactful. Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, took a moment to remember Mr. Bonsall’s infectious energy. In a statement with billboard, he said, “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was The Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy.”
Cover for the 1981 record "Fancy Free" by The Oak Ridge Boys. Public Domain
During their five decades together as a quartet, The Oaks amassed 17 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Top Country Songs chart. They are outpaced by only two other groups who have more No. 1 hits on the chart: Alabama and Brooks & Dunn. Three of their albums climbed to the top spot on the Top Country Albums chart over the years, including their 1981 record release, “Fancy Free.” They accrued multiple awards for their work, including five Grammy awards—their fist win was in the 1971 for Best Gospel Performance.
Bonsall and the rest of The Oaks were recognized for their musical achievements in 2015, when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The vocalist was also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
When Bonsall wasn’t singing, he enjoyed writing. He authored 11 books during his downtime from touring. One of those books, a memoir titled “I See Myself,” is slated for a fall 2024 release.
Cover for the hardcover book "I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life" by Joe Bonsall. Public Domain
Jesus and Family Always Came First
Bonsall’s fellow bandmates all released touching statements the day of his passing. Mr. Allen, the lead vocalist, said Bonsall put, “energy, love, and compassion … into everything he did.” As he and his family grieve the loss of his longtime bandmate, Mr. Golden, the baritone, stated, “We have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through.” Mr. Sterban, the group’s bass, called him his “best friend” and said, “He was a special person, who was loved by everyone and was a true inspiration to us all. ... For several years he bravely fought a terrible disease and was a trooper right up until the very end. There is no doubt that today, he is in a much better place.”
(L-R) Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys at The Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 18, 2022. Jason Kempin/Getty Images
In December 2023, Bonsall played his last show with The Oak Ridge Boys. A month later, he revealed his ALS diagnosis publicly. Despite his performing days coming to an end, he remained thankful for the time he had on the road with his best friends and fellow bandmates. He stated, “It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all.”
Bonsall is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, and his sister Nancy. He also has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Joe Bonsall and his wife Mary Bonsall standing next to The Oak Ridge Boys's Hall of Fame plaque at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Oct. 22, 2017. Rick Diamond/Getty Images
After his passing, Bonsall’s family released a heartwarming message commemorating his life and the legacy he leaves behind. They stated on Instagram, “Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. ... But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Joe Bonsall at The Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 18, 2022 in Nashville. Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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Rebecca Day
Author
Rebecca Day is an independent musician, freelance writer, and frontwoman of country group, The Crazy Daysies.
