Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys country music mainstay, dead at 76

Joe Bonsall, who was one of the Oak Ridge Boys’ most important members for 51 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. The reason for death was complexities of Amyotrophic Sidelong Sclerosis.

The Oak Ridge Boys continued their farewell tour without Bonsall, who had been a familiar face in the group since 1973. In January, he announced his retirement from touring with the band, citing his illness. It was reported that Bonsall, who sang tenor in the group harmonies, still planned to record a new album with them this year after retiring from concerts.

Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys country music mainstay, dead at 76: Crossover audiences were most familiar with the group for their smash hit “Elvira” from 1981, which not only reached No. No. 1 on the country chart and No. 1 on the pop charts. 5 on the Hot 100 of Billboard. The following year, “Bobbie Sue” reached No. 1 in both the country and pop charts. 12 on the Hot 100 and topped the chart in the home format of the ensemble. The band had 17 total No. 1 blue grass tunes and landed 34 in nation’s main 10.

In 2015, Bonsall and three of his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside him. In addition, in 2000, the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

“For quite some time, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Edge Young men’s sparkplug,” said Kyle Youthful, Chief of the Down home Music Corridor of Distinction and Exhibition hall, in an explanation memorializing the vocalist. ” He was the most dynamic performer to ever grace a gospel or country stage. His jovial demeanor and high, crystal-clear tenor voice immediately piqued the interest of the audience and prompted them to enter and unwind. Certainly, each time he sang, he made our worries go away.

The Oak Ridge Boys were formed in the 1940s and adopted their current moniker in the middle of the 1960s. Prior to Bonsall’s arrival in 1973, the group was primarily known as a gospel band. After Johnny Cash invited them to appear as guests on his song “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup,” they were signed to Columbia Records. However, the group didn’t achieve major secular success until they signed to Dot/ABC and released the No. 1 hit “Y’all Come Back Saloon.” 3 on the nation graph in 1977. Following No. “Trying to Love Two Woman,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free” were among the first-ever No. 1 hits.

Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys country music mainstay, dead at 76:  During the group’s 1970s and 1980s run, other songs like “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “It Takes a Little Rain,” and “No Matter How High” reached the top of the charts.

The final number that the Oak Ridge Boys entered was With their 1989 single “No Matter How High,” they became the No. 1 country hit, but they Argentina vs Canada Picks, Predictions, Props & Best Odds for Copa America Semifinal have continued to be a successful touring act, appearing as guests on country awards shows and other special occasions to this day.

Fans of Paul Simon were also familiar with the group because they sang along to his 1977 hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

Bonsall had written 11 books, including a memoir titled “I See Myself,” which will be published in November.

Bonsall stated in 2022 that pulmonary embolisms had nearly cost him his life. “God is not done with me yet; I could have easily died last weekend,” Bonsall tweeted. After spending six days in the hospital fighting pulmonary embolisms, I am now at home. My recovery may take some time; thanks for the prayers and love!”

He got better and was able to take part in the first dates of the show “American Made: Goodbye Visit,” starting in September of 2023.

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder,” Bonsall wrote in a January post to X (formerly Twitter). I’ve reached the point where I can no longer walk, so I’ve basically stopped driving. It has quite recently gotten excessively troublesome… There is a young fellow named Ben James singing for me out there and he really wants your affection and support … his sound is unique in relation to mine yet he offers a lot of ability that would be useful! I’m out of the Farewell Tour with the @oakridgeboys, but rest assured that I’m fine with everything! God Has It!!!”

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, stated, “When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in the history of country music, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly.” His dedication to helping others while transforming Country Music into a global phenomenon will never be forgotten, and our industry has improved as a result of his efforts. We have lost an unparalleled musical voice and energy today. Everyone who had the good fortune to meet him will deeply miss him.

Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys country music mainstay, dead at 76:  Said a passing notification gave by Bonsall’s reps, “Joe wanted to sing. He adored reading. He was an avid writer. He wanted to play banjo. Gypsy Rose Blanchard is pregnant, expecting baby with Ken Urker He adored the farm work. Furthermore, he adored the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Jesus and his family always came first, and he will return on the Promised Day.

His wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, and two great-grandchildren, Chance and Grey, as well as a sister, Nancy, survive Bonsall. Both of his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr., died before him. likewise Lillie Bonsall

At his solicitation, no burial service will be held. Donations can be made to the ALS Association or the ALS and Neuroscience Research Center at Vanderbilt Medical Center in lieu of flowers.