Introduction
The Oak Ridge Boys recently opened up about a touching decision made by their late bandmate, Joe Bonsall, before his passing earlier this year. Bonsall, the group’s beloved tenor for over 50 years, died in July due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
In a candid conversation with American Songwriter, Oak Ridge Boys singer Duane Allen reflected on Bonsall’s final months and his lasting influence on the group. According to Allen, Bonsall was adamant about not wanting sympathy or public attention for his illness.
“Joe just didn’t want any kind of pity party,” Allen shared. “A few of us knew what he was facing. He wanted us to simply call it what it was — a degenerative muscle disease — and to move forward.”
Allen also revealed that he visited Bonsall at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the day before he passed. “I went home to get some rest, and he breathed his last breath about 3 a.m.,” Allen recalled. “He had a wonderful life and is deeply missed.”
Before his health declined, Bonsall made a pivotal decision: rather than letting the band retire with him, he personally chose his successor. “We told him, ‘If you go down, we’ll go down. We’ll retire with you,’” Allen admitted. “But we talked, and we talked.”
After much thought, Bonsall selected Ben James — a talented vocalist he had performed with in the past when James was part of the bluegrass duo Daily & Vincent. Oak Ridge Boy Richard Sterban recalled the moment Bonsall introduced James to the group. “Joe handed him the microphone, and we all looked at each other and thought, ‘Wow, this kid can sing.’ He knew every song Joe had ever performed.”
Ben James officially joined the Oak Ridge Boys on tour after Bonsall’s final performance during their Christmas shows last year. “Joe told us as we helped him to his wheelchair at the edge of the stage, ‘I’m done,’” Allen remembered. “He said, ‘I need to go home and face this.’”
In a final gesture of friendship and trust, Bonsall personally called James to offer him the role. “‘Ben, I’m done. Get on your singing britches,’” Allen quoted Bonsall saying. “And that’s how Ben came to be part of the group. He’s been wonderful to sing with ever since.”
Though Bonsall’s absence is felt every day, his foresight and generosity have ensured that The Oak Ridge Boys’ music — and his legacy — continue to live on.
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