Joe Bonsall, Long Time Member Of The Oak Ridge Boys, Dead At 76
Had announced his retirement from the group early this year
TasteOfCountry.com
Joe Bonsall, a tenor singer and longtime member of the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday (July 9) of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS.) He was 76 years old.
His death was announced in a statement from the band’s publicity team. Bonsall announced his retirement from touring back in January due to the progression of his illness.
Born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Penn., Bonsall spent five decades as an Oak Ridge Boys member, singing on hits such as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made.” As part of his work with the group, he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2015, he and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to his work in music, Bonsall was the author of 11 books, including a memoir called I See Myself that is slated for release in November.
Beginning last September, Bonsall toured with the Oaks for their American Made: Farewell Tour. However, in January, he announced his decision to retire, explaining that his neuromuscular disorder had made walking impossible. He was replaced by a 27-year-old singer named Ben James.
Bonsall was open about his health struggles in his latter years. He had a brush with death in 2022 after doctors found pulmonary embolisms, requiring a six-day hospital stay. “I could have easily died last weekend but God is not through with me yet,” he told fans in a tweet following that experience.
Article: https://tasteofcountry.com/oak-ridge-boys-joe-bonsall-dead-dies/
The official release from his publicity agency, 2911 Media:
Jon Mir
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – Joseph S. Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He leaves behind his precious wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.
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.
Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November. 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 the request of Joe, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
The family is requesting privacy.
