Country Music’s Joe Bonsall Dies, Aged 76

(DailyDig.com) – An Oak Ridge Boys member, Joe Bonsall, died on July 9 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at 76.

Bonsall’s representative released a statement about his death, stating that he had loved reading, singing, playing banjo, and writing. He also said that Bonsall loved baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies and farm work. He loved Jesus, and he always put his family first in his life. On the promised day of reunion with loved ones, they will all be together again.

At Bonsall’s request, he asked for no funeral and no flowers. He would prefer that people donate to the Vanderbilt ALS Medical Center and Neuroscience Research Center or the ALS Association.

Bonsall was with the Oak Ridge Boys for 51 years, beginning in 1973. He had retired from the group’s farewell tour in January due to his illness. Although they lost their beloved tenor voice during their harmonies, the group continued their tour. According to sources at the announcement of his retirement, Bonsall was still planning to record the group’s next album after their tour.

The group enjoyed success with their audiences, with crossover hits on both the country and pop charts. Their 1981 hit, “Elvira,” landed at number 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and the next year’s hit, “Bobbie Sue,” reached number 12 on the same Hot 100. The Oak Ridge Boys had a total of 17 number one country songs and a total of 34 in the top 10 country songs.

The band received induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000. The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Bonsall and three other band members in 2015.

The band originated in the 1940s but took on their current name in the 1960s. Known mostly as a gospel group, Johnny Cash encouraged them to sign with Columbia Records, leading to their 1977 song, “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” reaching number three as a country song. During that time, they found success with several number one country songs.

Bonsall’s wife, Mary Ann, daughters Sabrina and Jennifer, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren survived him.