In a somber announcement that has saddened the country and gospel music world, Joseph “Joe” Bonsall Jr., the longtime tenor singer for the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday, July 9th, at the age of 76. His death was attributed to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disorder he had been battling for several years.
Bonsall’s passing comes just months after he officially announced his retirement from touring in January due to the progression of his illness, which had made walking impossible. He had been a beloved and integral member of The Oak Ridge Boys for five decades, lending his distinctive tenor to countless hits such as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.”
Born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bonsall’s remarkable career extended beyond his vocal contributions. He earned a solo chart credit on Sawyer Brown’s 1986 single “Out Goin’ Cattin'” as “Cat Joe Bonsall.” His immense talent and dedication to music led to his induction into prestigious institutions including the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2015, he and his bandmates were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The origins of The Oak Ridge Boys trace back to 1943, when the core group, then called Wally Fowler and the Georgia Cloud Hoppers, formed in Knoxville, Tennessee. They gained popularity performing for staff and families at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory during World War II, eventually changing their name to the Oak Ridge Quartet. Initially focused on Southern gospel music, the group’s lineup saw many changes over the years. Bonsall officially joined the group in April 1973. That same year, The Oak Ridge Boys recorded a single with Johnny Cash and The Carter Family, “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup,” which marked their first appearance on the country charts.
The group fully transitioned from gospel to country in 1977 with their album Y’all Come Back Saloon, which produced two top-five country hits. Their next album, Room Service (1978), delivered two more, including their first number one hit, “I’ll Be True to You.” The core lineup, including Bonsall, remained consistent for an impressive 15 years, and in 2013, they celebrated 40 years together with a special tour and commemorative projects.
In September 2023, The Oak Ridge Boys announced their “American Made Farewell Tour” to mark their golden anniversary. Bonsall bravely toured with the group during the initial part of this tour, but his declining health necessitated his retirement in January. He was succeeded by 27-year-old singer Ben James, who had notably filled in for Bonsall on stage on previous occasions.
Beyond his musical career, Bonsall was a prolific author, penning 11 books. His works include memoirs like I See Myself, which is due to be released in November, and On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys: A Personal Account of 40 Years of Untold Stories and Adventures. He also wrote From My Perspective, G.I. Joe and Lillie (a book about his parents’ lives during and after World War II), An American Journey, Christmas Miracles, and An Inconvenient Christmas. Additionally, he was a children’s author, releasing a four-part children’s book series titled The Molly Books in 1997.
Bonsall had been transparent about his health struggles, sharing a near-death experience in 2022 due to pulmonary embolisms. “I could have easily died last weekend, but God is not through with me yet,” he tweeted at the time.
His death is another profound loss for The Oak Ridge Boys, coming just one week after William Lee Golden announced the passing of his son, William Rusty Golden. Joe Bonsall is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead of flowers, Bonsall and his family have requested that fans wishing to express their sympathies make donations to the ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. His remarkable voice and spirit will be deeply missed by fans worldwide.