**Joe Bonsall, Longtime Member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Dies at 76**
Joe Bonsall, a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, passed away on July 9, 2024, due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His death came as a shock to many, especially considering his active role as one of the most energetic members of the group, which was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Bonsall had maintained a rigorous fitness routine throughout his life, regularly running well into his 50s and walking five miles daily when the group toured, despite the challenges of life on the road. However, his battles with blood clots and ALS eventually affected his physical abilities. In a 2023 interview with *Billboard Country Update*, he reflected on his career and the future of the band, noting, “A lot of those ships have sailed,” as he marked the 50th anniversary of the group’s most successful lineup.
The Oak Ridge Boys, originally known as The Georgia Clodhoppers and later The Oak Ridge Quartet, underwent several transformations after Bonsall joined in October 1973. He was the last member to join the band, which was established in 1945. With his soaring tenor voice, Bonsall helped lead the group to country music prominence. Their first major hit in the genre, “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” was released in 1977, and Bonsall’s vocal delivery helped solidify the group’s reputation. The band’s success continued through the 1980s, with hits like the chart-topping “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue,” both of which showcased his powerful voice and unique style.
While Bonsall’s voice stood out, The Oak Ridge Boys were known for their harmonious teamwork. Each member took turns leading on different tracks, and the group’s ability to blend distinct voices was a key factor in their success. Bonsall once remarked, “All four guys can actually sing, and we feature them all on different leads, so the show was not boring.”
Their concerts were groundbreaking, particularly with the use of elaborate staging and advanced lighting systems—far ahead of many of their contemporaries. Bonsall, with his high-energy personality, was instrumental in pushing the group to adopt these new approaches, which set them apart from other country acts at the time.
Before his music career, Bonsall was immersed in vocal harmony from a young age, playing with various local groups in Philadelphia. His involvement in gospel music led him to The Keystones, where he met future Oak Ridge Boys members Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden. Bonsall eventually joined The Oak Ridge Boys, and together, they began a journey that would make them one of the most successful groups in country music.
In addition to his musical career, Bonsall wrote 11 books and occasionally played banjo with other artists. The band remained active on the road, with Bonsall noting that they didn’t know how to slow down. “God has guided our career, he’s guided our personal lives and our families,” he said in 2023.
His final concert with The Oak Ridge Boys was on December 17, 2023, and he officially announced his retirement in January 2024. Despite the health challenges, Bonsall’s commitment to the group and his fans remained unwavering throughout his career.
In honor of his wishes, no funeral services will be held. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall leaves behind a legacy that includes his family—his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, and grandchildren—and his undeniable impact on country music. His death marks the end of an era for The Oak Ridge Boys, but his contributions to the genre will never be forgotten.
May he rest in peace.