(NewsUSD) – At the age of 76, Joe Bonsall, one of the most significant members of the Oak Ridge Boys for 51 years, died on Tuesday. Amyotrophic Sidelong Sclerosis complications were the cause of death.
Bonsall, who had been a mainstay of the group since 1973, was absent from the Oak Ridge Boys’ last tour. Citing his sickness, he declared in January that he would no longer be performing with the band. Despite retiring from performances, Bonsall, who sang tenor in the group harmonies, was reportedly still planning to make a new album with them this year.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ country music staple Joe Bonsall passed away at the age of 76. For crossover audiences, the group’s most well-known song was “Elvira” from 1981, which not only peaked at No. 1 on the pop charts but also at No. No. 1 on the country chart. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. “Bobbie Sue” peaked at the top of the pop and country charts the next year. 12 on the Hot 100 and at the top of the group’s home format chart. The group has 34 songs in the country’s top 10 and 17 No. 1 bluegrass songs overall.
In 2015, Bonsall was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with three of his colleagues. The Oak Ridge Boys were also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
In a statement honoring the singer, Kyle Youthful, Chief of the Down home Music Corridor of Distinction and Exhibition hall, said, “Joe Bonsall was the Oak Edge Young men’s sparkplug for quite some time.” He was the most charismatic artist to ever take the stage in country or gospel music. His cheerful manner and high, clear tenor voice attracted the audience’s attention right away, and they went in to relax. Indeed, every time he sang, our anxieties vanished.
Founded in the 1940s, the Oak Ridge Boys took on their present name in the mid-1960s. The band was mostly recognized as a gospel group until Bonsall joined in 1973. Following their invitation to be included as guests on Johnny Cash’s song “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup,” they secured record deals with Columbia Records. But it wasn’t until they signed to Dot/ABC and produced the No. 1 song “Y’all Come Back Saloon.” 3 on the country charts in 1977 that the group found significant secular success. “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Trying to Love Two Woman,” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free” were among the first-ever No. 1 singles after No.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ country music staple Joe Bonsall passed away at the age of 76. Other songs including “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “It Takes a Little Rain,” and “No Matter How High” peaked at the top of the charts throughout the group’s 1970s and 1980s tenure.
Argentina vs. Canada Picks, Predictions, Props & Best Odds for Copa America Semifinal The Oak Ridge Boys’ final number was “No Matter How High,” which peaked at number one in the country music charts in 1989. They have since maintained their popularity as a touring act and have been invited to perform on country awards shows and other special events.
The ensemble was particularly well-known among Paul Simon fans, who sang along to his 1977 smash song, “Slip Slidin’ Away.”
One of Bonsall’s eleven books, “I See Myself,” is a memoir that will be released in November.
In 2022, Bonsall said he had almost died from pulmonary embolisms. Bonsall tweeted, “I could have easily died last weekend; God is not done with me yet.” I am currently at home after battling pulmonary embolisms for six days in the hospital. I appreciate your love and prayers, but it could take some time for me to heal.
After he recovered, he was allowed to participate in the opening dates of “American Made: Goodbye Visit,” which began in September 2023.
In a January post on X (previously Twitter), Bonsall said, “As many of you are aware, I have been fighting a slow onset (more than 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder.” I’ve essentially stopped driving because I’ve gotten to the point where I can no longer walk. It has suddenly become really problematic. A young man called Ben James is singing for me, and he really needs your love and encouragement. Although he has a different voice than mine, he has a lot of valuable skills! You can be sure that I’m happy with everything even if I’m not participating in the Farewell Tour with the @oakridgeboys. “God has it!”
“The image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly when I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in the history of country music,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association. Our business has improved as a consequence of his efforts, and his commitment to assisting others while making country music a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten. Today, we lost an unmatched musical voice and vitality. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ country music staple Joe Bonsall passed away at the age of 76. According to a brief announcement made by Bonsall’s representatives, “Joe wanted to sing.” He loved to read. He loved to write. His desire was to play the banjo. The Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker are expecting a child together. He loved working on the farm. He was also a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first, and on the Promised Day, he will return.
Bonsall is survived by his sister Nancy, his wife Mary Ann, his daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, his granddaughter Breanne, his grandson Luke, and his two great-grandchildren Chance and Grey. Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. lost both of his parents before him. Similarly Bonsall, Lillie
There won’t be a funeral service at his request. Instead of flowers, donations may be donated to the Vanderbilt Medical Center’s ALS and Neuroscience Research Center or the ALS Association.
