Remembering Joe Bonsall: The Voice Behind “Elvira” and a Legacy of Laughter and Song
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – The country music world is mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall, the beloved tenor of The Oak Ridge Boys, who passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).1 His death follows his retirement from touring earlier this year due to the debilitating neuromuscular disorder.
In a January post on X (formerly Twitter), Bonsall shared, “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from2 the road. It has just gotten too3 difficult.” He also expressed gratitude for “a great 50 years” and thanked his band, crew, staff, and praying fans for their unwavering support.
A Grand Ole Opry Veteran and Hall of Famer
Bonsall’s remarkable career saw The Oak Ridge Boys become mainstays of country and gospel music. As members of the Grand Ole Opry and inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, their influence spanned decades. The quartet, which also included baritone William Lee Golden, bass Richard Sterban, and lead vocalist Duane Allen during their most successful period, was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Bonsall, known for his affable personality and the “high part” in their iconic harmonies, was a familiar face backstage at the Opry, often in the prestigious Dressing Room Number One, famously known as the Roy Acuff dressing room. In a recent interview, Bonsall mused about having likely occupied “most all” of the historic dressing rooms over his many years performing there. He fondly recounted the distinctive voice of his bandmate Richard Sterban, joking, “he could say it in Chinese and you know exactly who it’s going to be.”
The Unforgettable “Elvira”
While Duane Allen typically sang lead on most of The Oak Ridge Boys’ country hits, 1981 proved to be a pivotal year for Bonsall as his lead vocal on “Elvira” propelled the song to massive crossover pop success. Recalling its origins, Bonsall explained that Don Gant, a song plugger, heard a bar band in Texas perform Rodney Crowell’s version of the Dallas Frazier-penned tune. Gant immediately envisioned The Oak Ridge Boys’ unique take.
“Richard could do the ‘giddy-up-a-oom-poh-poh’ (sic) it could just be incredible, really different than the way anybody else had done it,” Bonsall recounted. Their producer, Chancey, agreed to “give it a try.” Bonsall described his distinctive approach to the verses, stating, “I never did it like the old Elviras. I kind of did my own take which, looking back on it, was a good idea.”
A Man of Many Talents and Deep Family Bonds
Beyond his musical contributions, Joe Bonsall was a multi-talented individual. He authored 11 books, including his latest memoir, I See Myself, which was released in November last year. Bonsall found joy in singing, reading, writing, playing the banjo, working on his farm, and passionately supporting the Philadelphia Phillies. However, as stated in a press release, “Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Bonsall is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann, with whom he shared over 40 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons Chance and Grey, and his sister Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.4 The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
His passing comes just a week after the death of Rusty Golden, son of fellow Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden.
Joe Bonsall’s rich legacy is one of powerful music, heartfelt storytelling, and an enduring spirit that touched millions. As prayers and messages of sympathy pour in from around the world, the country music community remembers a true king of song. Rest in power, Joe Bonsall.