Joe Bonsall, one of the main pillars for 51 years of the national anthem’s leading singing team, the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday at the age of 76. The cause of death was headache from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Bonsall, who had been a regular face of the team since 1973, resigned from traveling with the team in January, citing his illness, as the Oak Ridge Boys continued to tour in his absence. Following his concert resignation, it was reported that Bonsall, who provided a tenor accent in the team’s harmonies, nevertheless planned to file an unused journal with him this week.
The crowd was most recognized by crossover audiences for the 1981 crash “Elvira”, which no longer disagrees with the crash. 1 on the country charts but also found pop luck, achieving disparity. peaking at 5. Weeks on Billboard’s Sizzling 100, “Bobbi Sue” achieved success in pop as well as country, surpassing Dissent. 12 in the Sizzling 100 as well as topping the charts in the group’s domestic composition. In total there were 17 dissenters in the band. 1 Nation Song and reached number 34 in the nation’s top 10.
Bonsall was inducted into the Nation’s Music Hall of Fame in 2015 along with three of his fellow team members. The Oak Ridge Boys were also elected into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the sparkplug of the Oak Ridge Boys,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Nation Tune Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a commentary remembering the singer. “He was as exciting a performer as any gospel or country performer on the stage. Her melodious voice was loud and clear, and her happy spirit always provided a jolt of energy, making the audience want to immediately jump in and unload their load. Whenever he sang, he definitely took away our worries.”
The Oak Ridge Boys originated in the 1940s, and the gang assumed the title in the mid-1940s, but the combo was originally known as a gospel act before Bonsall joined in 1973. Johnny Money helped them get signed to Columbia News, then he enlisted them as guests on his single “Praise the Lord and Pass the Soup”, although the team had to wait for the next signing to Dot/ABC and a cut of one track. There was no major secular success till now. It was referred to as “Y’all Come Back Salon” which was met with disagreement. 3 on the national charts in 1977. Next Disagree. Songs during that early period of good fortune included “Trying to Love Two Women,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free.”
The Gang’s alternative chart-toppers during the ’70s/80s included “This Crazy Love,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Everyday,” “It Takes a Little Rain” and “No Matter How High.”
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded their final dissent. 1 country crash with 1989’s “No Matter How High”, but remained a successful touring business – and were welcomed as guests at national awards presentations and various special occasions – until the present month.
The crowd was also known among Paul Simon fans for the vocal accompaniment they provided to his 1977 crash “Slip Slidin’ Away”.
Bonsall has written 11 books, including a memoir to be published this November, “I See Myself.”
In 2022, Bonsall noted that he had almost died from a pulmonary embolism. “I could have easily died last weekend but God is not with me yet,” Bonsall Tweeted, “After 6 days in the hospital battling pulmonary embolism I am home now… my recovery may take some time… thanks for the prayers and love shown!”
He recovered and was able to take part in preliminary dates on what he called the “American Made: Farewell Tour”, starting in September of 2023.
In January, Bonsall posted on I have now reached the point where walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It’s been very difficult… There’s a young man named Ben James singing for me and he needs your love and encouragement… His voice is different from mine but he brings a lot of talent to the table ! @oakridgeboys will end the farewell tour without me, but rest assured, I’m good at it! God got it!!!”
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Nation Tune Association, said, “When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in country music history, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy clearly comes to mind. Country His commitment to serving others while growing music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry is better off because of his incredible energy and voice. He will be missed by those who were fortunate to know him.”
An obituary notice released by Bonsall’s representatives said, “Joe loved to sing. He loved reading. He loved writing. He loved playing the 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 them again on the promised day.
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Brain, grandson Luke, two great grandchildren, Probability and Gray, and a sister, Nancy. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lily Bonsall.
Incorrect cremation may be carried out at their request. In lieu of flora, donations can also be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Clinical Center ALS and Neuroscience Analysis Center.
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