John Mir
Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall died on Tuesday (July 9) from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the band announced on their website and social media accounts. He was 76 years old and passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Bonsall announced his retirement from touring earlier this year.
In 1973, Bonsall left the gospel group The Keystones to join the Oak Ridge Boys. The Oaks, which Bonsall teamed up with Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, were their first successful gospel group. They turned to country music in 1977 with “Y'All Come Back Saloon,” the first of 34 Top 10 hits on Billboard's Top Country Songs chart.
The Oaks had 17 No. 1s on the chart, the third-most among duos or groups behind Alabama (33) and Brooks & Dunn (20). Two of The Oaks' No. 1s on the country charts were top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Elvira” (No. 5 in 1981) and “Bobby Sue” (No. 12 in 1982). Here are their top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs:
The group had three number one albums on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and two of them reached the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200: Fancy Free (#14 in 1981) and Bobby Sue (#20 in 1982).
Oakes has won five Grammy Awards, the first four in the Gospel category and the fifth in the Country category for “Elvira.” The platinum-selling smash won for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The Oaks won two CMA Awards, Vocal Group of the Year in 1978 and Single of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira.”
They have won four ACM Awards: Top Vocal Group in 1978, Album of the Year the same year for Ya'll Come Back Saloon, Single Record of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira,” and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2007.
Tom Rowland, in a 50-year retrospective of the band, reported that The Oaks' 1979 concert tour, headlined by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, is considered the first full-scale country arena tour.
Bonsall was a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years and 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 driving force behind the Oak Ridge Boys,” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said in a statement. “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, easing any nerves. Our anxieties were certainly eased every time he sang.”
“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,” Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement. “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 his passing will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Bonsall is also the author of 11 books, including his latest, “I See Myself,” due out in November.
Bonsall's final performance with The Oaks will be on December 17, 2023. In January, he revealed that he had been battling a slowly progressive neuromuscular disease for more than four years. “I have essentially retired from touring as it has become too difficult for me to walk,” he said in a statement. “It has been an incredible 50 years and I would like to thank the entire Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the love and support you have shown me throughout all those years. I will never forget, and thank you all for always praying for me and asking you to continue to do so.”
Per Mr. Bonsall's wishes, there will be no funeral service. 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, his daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, his granddaughter Breanne, his grandson Luke, two great-grandsons Chance and Gray, and his sister Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lily Bonsall.
Bonsall's death came just eight days after the death of musician and songwriter William “Rusty” Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden. Golden's son died on July 1 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 65 years old. William Lee Golden said in a statement at the time, “As a father, I have never known a greater loss. I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a fine musician, a talented songwriter and a wonderful son. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers in these days ahead. I love you, my son.”
Bonsall's longtime bandmates, the Oak Ridge Boys, all released statements today. Ben James, who was hired as Bonsall's replacement on tour late last year, also released a similar statement. The lightly edited statements are below.
“When you look at Joe Bonsall's life, you see a life lived to the full,” said Duane Allen. “Joe was capable of anything he set his mind to, but what impressed me most was the energy, love and compassion he put into everything he did, and his unique ability to convey those emotions and feelings in every performance, song and book.”
“It has been a week of grief, losing our son, Rusty Golden, and now our brother and partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall,” said William Lee Golden. “Thankfully, we have the memories and songs we sang together that help get us through this. It is comforting to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. We are praying for his family.”
“For many years Joe was my best friend,” says Richard Sterban. “We knew each other long before he became a member of The Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, beloved by all and a true inspiration to us all, as well as a fantastic singing partner. For many years he fought a brave battle with a terrible illness and was courageous to the very end. I have no doubt that he is in a much better place now.”
“Joe was a true hero to me,” said Ben James. “His singing was something I looked up to growing up. No one can sing like Joe. He was a huge inspiration to me. When he decided to stop touring, I was honored that he chose me to sing tenor. I try my best every night for Joe and the Boys, and only Joe could be in that position.”
Longtime Oak Ridge Boys manager Jim Halsey said, “Joe Bonsall, God loves you. You have been an inspiration to our fans, friends, family and especially me for 52 years. Today is a very difficult day.”
Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry senior vice president and executive producer, said, “All of us at the Grand Ole Opry absolutely adored Joe Bonsall. Fans in the audience marveled at his energy onstage, and television viewers 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 felt blessed to have been associated with such a loving, talented and incredible human being. We wish you a safe journey, my friend. You are very much loved.”
Many artists also weighed in. Below are some highlights of their comments:
“I am saddened by the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall, the longtime high-pitched singer with the Oak Ridge Boys, with whom I toured almost every year of my career. Joe and I would chat before and after shows about the audiences, the music and who we were as Americans. My family sends prayers to the Bonsalls.” – Lee Greenwood
“I have known, worked with and loved Joe Bonsall and the Oaks for nearly 50 years. It is very hard to say goodbye to an old friend, especially a true road warrior like Joe.” – Crystal Gayle
“So sad and sorry to hear of Joe's passing. As a tenor, all I can say is, Joe, keep on singing your voice and keep on singing the spirit of the Lord.” – Sam Moore (Sam & Dave)
“We have lost one of the greatest humans in the world and one of the greatest voices in music. Joe was like a brother to me and made me a better person. I loved him and he loved Jesus with all his heart. He was the kindest person and lit up any room he walked in. Sheila and I will miss him so much. Rest in peace my dear friend.” – T. Graham Brown
“Joe Bonsall and I met many times throughout our musical careers, and each time we picked up where we left off. Many of us are now in the 'golden years' of our lives, which are always particularly difficult. I am grateful for our friendship, the songs he left behind, and the fact that his body is no longer in pain. May Joe Bonsall rest in peace.” – John McEwen
“Joe Bonsall was a true friend who sang on some of my records. An incredible talent who entertained many with his incredible voice and showmanship. I am so sad to say he will be missed.” – Moe Bandy
“The concert with the Oak Ridge Boys was wonderful. The fusion of all four voices was amazing. Joe has a unique sound and talent that is timeless and universally appreciated. May God bless his soul.” – Janie Flick
“Joe was a great friend for many years and this news of his passing hits me hard. My prayers go out to his family, the Oak Ridge Boys, the band and his fans around the world.” – Jonny Lee
“The Oak Ridge Boys were the first band I ever toured with. They were so good to me and Joe was always so friendly and helpful. I'll never forget someone who was so good to me on my first tour. They taught me so much. I have so many fond memories.” – Lacey J. Dalton
“So sad to hear the news today of losing Joe. We go back to the early 80's. We were all Grammy nominated but lost to the Oaks. We just didn't have enough time to see each other. Greetings to Heaven Joe Bonsall and prayers to his family!!!” – David Frizzell [Editor’s Note: Frizzell’s collaboration with Shelly West, “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” was indeed nominated for a Grammy for best country performance by a duo or group with vocal in 1982, only to lose to The Oaks’ megahit, “Elvira.”]
See the Oak Ridge Boys' announcement below.