Joe Bonsall, Country Music Hall of Famer and Beloved Oak Ridge Boys Member, Dies at 76
The country music world is mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall, a Country Music Hall of Famer and long-time member of the iconic Oak Ridge Boys, who passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. A press release shared with PEOPLE confirmed that Bonsall died from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Bonsall is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann, his daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, his granddaughter Breanne, his grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and his sister, Nancy. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. In accordance with Bonsall’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. However, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make donations to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
A Legacy of Five Decades and a Brave Health Battle
Bonsall’s passing comes just months after he announced his retirement from touring with The Oak Ridge Boys in January 2024. At the time, the tenor singer informed PEOPLE that he was stepping back to prioritize his health, battling what he described as a “slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder.” While he kept the exact diagnosis private until his death, he candidly shared the challenges he faced: “I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Bonsall expressed immense gratitude: “It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all.” He added, “I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”
From Philadelphia Roots to Country Music Royalty
Born Joseph S. Bonsall Jr. in Philadelphia, Bonsall’s musical journey began early, singing around age 4. He “fell in love with Southern Gospel music harmony” in his mid-teens, a passion that would define his life. He officially joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, before the group’s meteoric rise on the country music scene.
With Bonsall as a key member, The Oak Ridge Boys went on to produce dozens of hits, including the iconic 1984 anthem “American Made.” Their remarkable achievements earned them a place in numerous prestigious halls of fame, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bonsall himself received an individual honor with his induction into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Beyond his musical contributions, Bonsall was also a prolific author, writing 11 books. His final work, a memoir titled I See Myself, is set to be released in November.
“Let’s Sing”: A Farewell Tour and Enduring Spirit
Prior to Bonsall’s retirement, The Oak Ridge Boys had announced a “celebratory farewell tour” to commemorate their 50th anniversary. As bandmate William Lee Golden stated in a press release, “We are doing a farewell tour because we owe it to our fans to say goodbye. They have always been there for us through the good times and the bad.”
In his own statement reflecting on the band’s longevity, Bonsall told PEOPLE, “You could have never convinced that 25-year-old Joe Bonsall in 1973 that in 50 years the four of us would still be singing together and still loving every second of it.” He concluded with the band’s enduring mantra: “Our mantra has always been LET’S SING… it still is! We have had our share of challenges over all these decades, but we have always persevered as men who have each always cared about doing things right and God has blessed us for it.”
Joe Bonsall’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his timeless music, his deep faith, and the profound impact he had on the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary career.