Vince Gill is grieving the loss of his dear friend, Joe Bonsall, a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years. Bonsall passed away on July 9th from complications related to ALS. During his recent performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Gill paid a heartfelt tribute to the country music icon.
“I wanted to sing a couple of songs tonight in memory of my sweet friend Joe Bonsall,” Gill shared with the audience. “We were friends for 42 years. He was the high singer in the Oak Ridge Boys for all those years. My heart’s broken for him and his family.”
Gill honored Bonsall by performing “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” and “Elvira,” two of The Oak Ridge Boys’ classic songs. He also performed his own “Go Rest High On That Mountain” as a tribute to Bonsall.
Joe Bonsall had retired from touring earlier in the year due to the progression of a neuromuscular disorder, later identified as ALS. His passing has left a deep void in the country music community, especially for his fellow Oak Ridge Boys members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, who are mourning the loss of their friend and bandmate.
Duane Allen reflected on Joe’s life, saying, “When I look at Joe Bonsall’s life, I see a life fulfilled. Raised in a hood-influenced neighborhood in Philadelphia by two military veterans, Joe was taught that with hard work, truth, and faith in God, he could be anything he wanted to be.” Allen went on to describe Joe’s immense energy, love, and compassion, which he poured into his performances, songs, and books. He added, “Joe was ‘that’ best friend that every person hopes to have in his life.”
Tributes for Joe flooded in from across the music industry as soon as the news of his passing was announced. Blake Shelton expressed his sorrow, remembering how he had “never seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life,” and shared his thoughts and prayers with Joe’s family and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Terri Clark, too, was deeply saddened by the loss, calling Joe “such a gentleman” and one of the “kindest and most hardworking men in music.” Reba McEntire paid tribute on social media, saying, “Joe, you were a terrific entertainer, singer, and a wonderful friend! I’ll sure miss your smiling face and your bubbly personality. I can’t wait to see you again.”
The passing of Joe Bonsall marks the end of an era for The Oak Ridge Boys and country music. His legacy, marked by his warmth, talent, and dedication, will live on in the hearts of his family, fans, and the countless musicians who were fortunate enough to know him.