Oak Ridge Boys Release Poignant “Promised Land” Music Video in Tribute to Late Joe Bonsall
The Oak Ridge Boys, Country Music Hall of Famers, have unveiled a heartfelt new music video for their Front Porch Singin’ track “Promised Land,” dedicated to their cherished late bandmate, Joe Bonsall.
The emotional tribute was conceived by Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, who suggested the “Promised Land” visual as a fitting homage to Bonsall. The video was directed by Brandon Wood of IndieBling.
In the opening scenes of the music video, Bonsall himself introduces the song, sharing his thoughts on the track: “It’s a beautiful, beautiful gospel song that [producer] Dave Cobb insisted that we sing, and he insisted that I sing it. Boy, I’ll tell ya, it was a blessing to sing the song.”
The visual narrative masterfully weaves together powerful clips of the Oak Ridge Boys’ performances with a collection of intimate photographs of Bonsall. Viewers are treated to candid moments of Bonsall playing the banjo, suiting up for the stage, and working diligently in the studio. The video also includes deeply personal photographs from Bonsall’s childhood and young adulthood, offering a tender glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight.
“Promised Land” was penned by acclaimed songwriter Ashley Monroe. Recalling the song’s genesis, Oak Ridge Boys singer Duane Allen explained, “I called Ashley Monroe and asked her to write a song for our Front Porch Singin’ album. We spoke about what we were looking for. Within a few days, Ashley sent ‘Promised Land.’ I loved it immediately and sent it to David Cobb. He wrote back ‘home run!'”
Allen further elaborated on the recording process: “When we got into the studio, the magic happened. David voiced Joe in a lower key than normal so he could almost talk this message. I feel that David captured Joe’s heart and soul. Our ‘OOO’s’ are only heard at the end of this masterpiece.”
Joe Bonsall passed away earlier this month [June 2025] due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), leaving a profound void in the country music community and among his beloved bandmates. This new music video for “Promised Land” serves as a beautiful and touching testament to his enduring spirit and contributions.