Joe Bonsall, Longtime Oak Ridge Boys Tenor, Dies at 76
Joe Bonsall, a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His longtime bandmates and the country music community are mourning the loss of the tenor vocalist.
The Oak Ridge Boys announced Bonsall’s death on Instagram, honoring his extensive career and numerous accolades. “As a 50-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame,” the post read.
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and sister, Nancy. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
The Instagram tribute also highlighted Bonsall’s life beyond music: “Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November.” It continued, “Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
At Bonsall’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family asks fans to donate to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall’s Battle with ALS and Retirement
A Philadelphia native, Joe Bonsall, who resided in Hendersonville, TN, became the 30th of 35 performers to join The Oak Ridge Boys. He officially became a member in 1973, marking a 50-year tenure with the group.
Bonsall announced his retirement from touring with the group in December 2023 due to his battle with a neuromuscular disorder. In a press release at the time, he stated, “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road.”
He expressed gratitude to his bandmates and supporters, adding, “It has just gotten too difficult. 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… 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. The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”
Upon his retirement, singer Ben James stepped in to replace Bonsall.
The Enduring Legacy of The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys’ history dates back to 1943 when they formed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as a group called Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers. They began recording music in 1947. The original quartet included Wally Fowler, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Curly Kinsey, and Johnny New. The group later rebranded as the Oak Ridge Quartet and, in 1962, officially became The Oak Ridge Boys.
They gained initial popularity in the 1950s as Southern gospel music gained momentum, before making a successful transition to country music. Over their long history, approximately 35 members have been part of the group, serving as both short-term fill-ins and long-term members.
The current members of The Oak Ridge Boys are:
- William Lee Golden (baritone), who joined in 1965.
- Duane Allen (lead vocalist), who joined in 1966.
- Richard Sterban (bass singer), who joined in 1972.
- Ben James (tenor), who joined in 2023, replacing Joe Bonsall.
Notable past members, as documented by Oaks Discography from 1956 onward, include:
- Smitty Gatlin (lead, baritone, tenor), 1956-1966
- Ronnie Page (baritone), 1956-1962
- Hobart Evans (tenor), 1956-1957
- Bill Smith (bass), 1956-1957
- Herman Harper (bass), 1957-1968
- Bobby Clark (tenor), 1957-1957
- Willie Wynn (tenor), 1958-1973
- Gary McSpadden (baritone), 1962-1964
- Jim Hammill (baritone), 1964-1964
- Noel Fox (bass), 1968-1972
- Steve Sanders (baritone), 1987-1995
The Oak Ridge Boys are widely recognized for their chart-topping hits such as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” and “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight.” Their impressive list of accolades includes induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, three Grammy Awards, and multiple Dove Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Country Music Association Awards.