Introduction
Joe Bonsall: A Farewell to a Legend of Music and Faith
Just days before his passing, Joe Bonsall — the iconic tenor voice of The Oak Ridge Boys — appeared in a deeply touching video. He shared a story filled with faith, music, and a powerful memory tied to the classic hymn “Because He Lives.”
“I used to sing this every night with the Keystone group in my early twenties. When I joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, Dwayne Allen told me, ‘We need to keep doing that song like you did it with the Keystones.’ And so, I kept singing it…” — Joe Bonsall
An Easter Memory in Las Vegas
Joe recalled a special Easter Sunday about six years ago, when The Oak Ridge Boys were performing at a large casino in Las Vegas. Surrounded by thousands of fans, Joe took a moment in the middle of the show to speak about the true meaning of Easter — the resurrection and the hope it brings. Their longtime keyboardist began to play “Because He Lives”, and Joe sang. The crowd rose to their feet in applause.
“That’s the power of gospel music — even in Las Vegas.”
Farewell to a Voice of Faith
Joe Bonsall passed away this past Tuesday at the age of 76, after a long battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). In January, he announced his retirement from touring with the group, as the disease had made it too difficult to continue. In a heartfelt statement posted on his website, Joe wrote:
“I can no longer walk, so I’ve stepped away from the road. But I’ve lived fully — singing, reading, writing, playing the banjo, working the farm… And above all, loving Jesus and my family.”
Per Joe’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Instead, his family has requested donations be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. They have also asked for privacy during this time.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Born in 1948 in Philadelphia, Joe Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973. Over the next 50 years, his contributions helped shape the group’s legacy — with over 30 Top 5 country hits, many of which reached No. 1. His bright, powerful voice became a symbol of hope and joy for millions of fans.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. But most importantly, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in music — and a life fully lived in faith.
“Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow”
The song Joe had sung since the beginning of his journey now echoes as a final farewell filled with hope:
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”
Joe left this world with that faith — that life doesn’t end, but begins anew in eternity.
Farewell, Joe Bonsall. A warrior of faith. A light that never dimmed.