Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, died on July 9 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He was 76.
The Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall has died. He was 76.
The singer and author, best known for his 50-year run in the country and gospel vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, died in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on Tuesday from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to a press release.
The announcement stated that "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."
Bonsall was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall. He sang in different gospel music groups, including The Faith Four and The Keystone Quartet, in the state and later in New York until he moved to Tennessee in 1973 to join the Oaks, according to his website.
The Oak Ridge Boys have seen members come and go since its formation in 1943. Current members are Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Ben James, who replaced Bonsall when he retired in January. Bonsall's tenor vocals and high harmonies can be heard on the group's many hit songs, including "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue."
The Oak Ridge Boys are mourning Bonsall.
"When I look at Joe Bonsall's life, I see a life fulfilled," Allen said in a statement following the news of Bonsall's death. "The son of two military veterans, raised to become street-smart in the hood-influenced neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents taught him that he could be anything he wished to be if he worked hard, told the truth, and trusted in God. Joe could do anything he set his mind to do, but what impressed me the most was the energy, love, and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift to communicate those emotions and feelings into every performance, song, and book. Joe was 'that' best friend that every person hopes to have in his life."
"For many years, Joe was my best friend," Sterban said. "We knew each other long before we both became members of The Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, who was loved by everyone and was a true inspiration to us all. He was also the best singing partner a person could have. For several years he bravely fought a terrible disease and was a trooper right up until the very end. There is no doubt that today, he is in a much better place -- at HOME with Jesus. I will see you soon my dear friend."
The news has been especially hard for Golden, whose son, Rusty, died on July 1.
"This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son, Rusty Golden, and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall," he said. "Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we've sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family."
The Oak Ridge Boys, who have sold more than 41 million records, won five GRAMMYs and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Bonsall was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
"Joe was a true hero to me. His singing is something that I have admired since I was a kid. Nobody could do it like Joe could do it. He was such an encouragement to me," James said in a statement. "I feel honored that he chose me to sing the tenor line when he decided to come off the road. I try my best for Joe and the Boys every night but only Joe can fill that spot. The legacy he leaves with us is something that is irreplaceable. I am forever thankful I got to know and love one of my all-time heroes that was nothing but good to me. I will miss Joe Bonsall. Thank you for loving everyone you met and making them feel like the most important person in your life when you spoke to them. A true gentleman."
Bonsall’s memoir, I See Myself, releases in November, marking his 11th book. Other books he authored include 2015's On the Road with The Oak Ridge Boys, a four-part children’s book series titled The Molly Books, and a 2003 book about his parents titled GI Joe & Lillie.
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. At this time, his family is requesting privacy.
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