John Mir
Joe Bonsall, who was a core member of the Oak Ridge Boys, one of country music's most iconic vocal groups, for 51 years, died on Tuesday at age 76. The cause of death was complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Bonsall, a familiar face with the group since 1973, announced his retirement from touring with the group in January, citing illness. The Oak Ridge Boys continued with a farewell tour in his absence. After retiring from concerts, Bonsall, who provided the group's harmony tenor voice, was reportedly still planning to record a new album with them this year.
The group is best known to crossover fans for their 1981 hit “Elvira,” which not only reached No. 1 on the country charts but also enjoyed success on the pop charts, reaching No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100. The following year, “Bobby Sue” achieved pop success as well as country, reaching No. 12 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the ensemble's home format chart. Overall, the band had 17 No. 1 songs on the country charts and 34 songs in the country top 10.
Bonsall was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 along with three other members of the group. The Oak Ridge Boys were also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the driving force behind the Oak Ridge Boys,” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said in a statement memorializing the singer. “He was as exciting a performer as anyone to ever take to the gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his upbeat spirit always sparked energy, instantly inspiring the audience and calling them to the stage and easing any nerves. Our anxieties were certainly eased every time he sang.”
The Oak Ridge Boys' origins date back to the 1940s and the group adopted its name in the mid-1960s, but the combo was primarily known as a gospel act before Bonsall joined in 1973. Johnny Cash helped them sign with Columbia Records after guesting on the singles “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup,” but the group didn't achieve major secular success until they signed with Dot/ABC and released the song “Y'all Come Back Saloon,” which reached No. 3 on the country charts in 1977. Subsequent No. 1 hits during that early period of success included “Trying to Love Two Women,” “I'll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” and “(I'm Settin') Fancy Free.”
Some of the group's chart-topping hits from the '70s and '80s include “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Those Hours,” “It Takes a Little Rain” and “No Matter How High.”
The Oak Ridge Boys had their last No. 1 country hit with 1989's “No Matter How High,” but have continued to tour successfully since and be invited as guests at country awards shows and other special occasions, which continues to this day.
The group was also known to Paul Simon fans for providing vocal accompaniment on his 1977 hit “Slip Slidin' Away.”
Bonsall has written 11 books, including a memoir, “I See Myself,” due to be published in November.
In 2022, Bonsall said he nearly died from a pulmonary embolism. “I could have easily died last weekend, but God hasn't forgiven me yet,” Bonsall said. Tweeted“I'm now home after six days in the hospital battling a pulmonary embolism… my recovery may take a while… thank you for all the prayers and love!”
He recovered and was able to take part in the first dates of what has been dubbed the “American Made: The Farewell Tour,” which begins in September 2023.
In January, Bonsall posted on X (formerly Twitter), “As you all know I have been battling a slowly progressing neuromuscular disorder (for over 4 years). I am basically retired from touring as it has gotten to the point where I can no longer walk. It has just become too difficult…I have a young man named Ben James singing for me who needs your love and encouragement…He doesn't sound like me but he brings so much talent! @oakridgeboys will be completing their farewell tour without me but rest assured I am OK! God help me!!!”
“When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in country music history, images of Joe's big smile and boundless energy come clearly to mind,” said Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern. “His dedication to serving others while building country music into a global sensation will never be forgotten. Our industry is better because of him. Today we have lost an unparalleled energy and voice in music, and he will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
The death notice issued by Bonsall's representative read, “Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play the banjo. He loved to work on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first. And we will see him again on that promised day.”
Mr. Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina; his granddaughter, Breanne; his grandson, Luke; two great-grandchildren, Chance and Gray; and his sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lily Bonsall.
At the family's request, no funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.