The Oak Ridge Boys member was once 76 years old

The Oak Ridge Boys frontman Joe Bonsall died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on Tuesday (July 9), the gang announced on its web page and social media accounts. He was 76 and died in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Bonsall had announced his departure from touring at the beginning of the year.

In 1973, Bonsall left his position with gospel crew The Keystones to band The Oak Ridge Boys. Oaks, through which Bonsall, along with Duane Allen, William Lee Blond and Richard Sterban, first discovered good fortune as a gospel group. He debuted the national anthem in 1977 with “Y’all Come Back to the Salon”, the first of his 34 top 10 hits. BoardManage national song charts.

Oaks landed at 17 Denny’s. 1 hits on that chart, trailing Alabama (33) and Brooks & Dunn (20) and the third-highest overall among the teams. Two of Oaks’s country chart-toppers turned into top 20 hits on the Billboard Sizzling 100 – “Elvira” (Den. 5 in 1981) and “Bobbie Sue” (Den. 12 in 1982).

Crowd 3 declined. 1 album on BoardManage Nation Albums Chart, two of which resulted in top 20 albums dominating the all-genre Billboard 200 – fancy independent (Ref. 14 in 1981) and bobby sue (Ref. 20 in 1982).

Oakes received 5 Grammys. The first four were in gospel divisions; 5th place in the nation for “Elvira”. That platinum-selling break received the best country performance by a duo or team with vocals.

Oakes won two CMA Awards – Vocal Team of the Year in 1978 and Single of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira”.

They won four ACM Awards – Highest Vocal Team in 1978, Album of the Year for the same year. You will come to the salon againSingle Record of the Year for “Elvira” in 1981 and the Cliffy Stone Pioneer Award in 2007.

The Oaks’ 1979 live performance trek with headliners Kenny Rogers and Dottie West is considered the first full-nation arena tour, Tom Rowland tells in this recap of the Gang’s 50 years.

As a 50-year-old member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was once a member of the Magnificent Ole Opry and was once inducted into the Philadelphia Track Corridor of Status, Gospel Track Corridor of Status, Vocal Team Corridor of Status, and Vocal Team Corridor of Status. Finalist in Nation Track Corridor status, 2015.

“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the sparkplug of the Oak Ridge Boys,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Nation’s Track Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a comment. “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.”

Nation Track Association CEO Sarah Trahern said in a comment, “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. Is.” “His commitment to serving others while growing country music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten, and our industry is better because of him. Today we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”

Bonsall was also the author of eleven books including his origins, a memoir titled I see myselfWhich is going to be shed in November.

Bonsall’s final performance with the Oaks was on December 17, 2023. In January, he explained that he had been battling a slow-onset neuromuscular disease for more than four years. “I’m at the point now where it’s impossible to walk, so I’ve basically retired from the road. It has been very difficult,” he mentioned in a comment. “It’s been a great 50 years, and I’m grateful to the entire Oak Ridge Boys Band crew and staff for the continued love and support they have shown me throughout it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have continued to pray for me, I thank you and ask you to keep praying.

At Bonsall’s request, cremation would presumably be refused. Instead of plants, donations can also be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Clinical Heart ALS and Neuroscience Analysis Center.

The survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; granddaughter Brianne; grandson Luke; two stunning grandchildren, Probability and Grey; and a sister, Nancy. His parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lily Bonsall have died.

Bonsall’s death came just eight days after the death of William “Rusty” Blond, son of musician, songwriter and member of The Oak Ridge Boys, William Lee Blond. The young blonde died on July 1 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 65 years old. William Le Blond, in a commentary in that life, said, “This is the hardest thing a father has ever had to face. I love family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you son.”

Bonsall’s longtime bandmates in the Oak Ridge Boys have recently defected, as has Ben James, who was recruited to replace Bonsall on the road last year. Listed below are those statements, which have been lightly edited.

“When I look at the life of Joe Bonsall, I see a full life,” noted duane allen, “…Joe could set his mind to doing anything, but what impressed me most was the energy, love and compassion he put into everything he did and bringing those feelings and emotions into every performance, song. And he had a unique gift for conveying music.” Book.”

“It has been a week of sadness with the death of my son, Rusty Golden, and now our brother and our partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall,” noted. william lee blonde, “Thankfully we have the memories we made and the songs we sang together. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are back together. Our prayers are with his family.”

“For many years, Joe was my best friend,” noted richard sterbon, “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 he was a true inspiration to all of us. He was also the best singing partner anyone could have. For many years he bravely fought a terrible disease and remained a soldier to the end. There is no doubt that today he is in a much better place.

“Joe was a true hero to me,” said ben james, “His singing is something I’ve admired since I was a kid. No one could do it like Joe could. That was a huge encouragement for me. I feel honored that he chose me to sing the tenor line when he decided to go off the road. I try my best for Joe and the Boys every night but only Joe can fill that spot.

jim halseyThe longtime manager of the Oak Ridge Boys, said: “God loves you, Joe Bonsall. You have been an inspiration to fans, friends and family, especially me, for 52 years. This is a very difficult day.”

dan rogersSenior Vice President/Official Producer of the Magnificent Ole Opry, noted: “Every one of us at the Grand Ole Opry loved Joe Bonsall. The fans sitting in the seats were amazed to see his energy on the stage. People tuned in from all over the world to hear his unmatched vocals as part of the beloved Oak Ridge Boys. And we were all laughing out loud at his antics backstage and counting our lucky stars that we were with such a sweet, talented, wonderful human being. Safe travels, friend. you are so loved.”

Many artists also contributed to it. Here’s a small sample with highlights of his comments:

“I am saddened by the passing of my friend Joe Bonsall. For so many years he was on top of voice with The Oak Ridge Boys, with whom I toured almost every year of my career. Joe and I would chat on the street, sometimes before and sometimes after the concert, about the crowd, the music, and who we are as Americans. My family sends prayers to the Bonsall family. , lee greenwood

“I have known, worked with and loved Joe Bonsall and Oakes for almost 50 years. It’s hard to say goodbye to old friends, especially a true road warrior like Joe.” – Crystal Gayle

“I am deeply saddened and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. All I can say is, from one voice to another, keep singing in heaven, Joe, that voice of yours, soul to the Lord. , Sam Moore (Sam and Dave)

“We lost one of the world’s greatest human beings and one of the greatest voices in music. Who was like a brother and made me a better person. I loved him, and he loved Jesus with all his heart. He was a lovely man and every room lit up when he walked in. Sheila and I will miss her very much. Rest in peace, free from pain, my dear friend. , T. Graham Brown

“Joe Bonsall and I have crossed paths many times during our careers in music and each time, we pick up right where we left off. Many of us are now in our ‘golden’ years and these times are always particularly difficult. I’m grateful for his friendship, the songs he left behind, and the solace of the fact that his body no longer hurts. RIP Joe Bonsall.” , John McEuen

“Joe Bonsall was a true friend who sang on many of my records. What a great talent who entertained so many people with his great voice and looks. I am very sad. We will miss him dearly.” , moe bandy

“The concerts I did with The Oak Ridge Boys were amazing, because I heard a fantastic blend of their four voices – Joe had a unique sound and talent that is timeless and universally appreciated, God. May his soul rest in peace.” , jenny fricke

“Joe has been a great friend over the years, and it hurts a lot. Prayers to his family, The Oak Ridge Boys, the band, and their fans around the world. , johnny lee

“The Oak Ridge Boys were the first band I toured with. They were very good to me and Joe was always very friendly and kind. You never forget someone who was so nice to you on your first tour – they taught me a lot. Nothing but good memories.” , lacey j dalton

“I am deeply saddened by today’s news of the loss of Joe. We go back to the early 80’s. We were all nominated for a GRAMMY, and Oakes beat us! We didn’t get a chance to see each other enough. Say hello to Heaven, Joe Bonsall, and prayers to his family!!!” – david frizzell (Editor’s note: Frizzell’s collaboration with Shelley West, “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” was actually nominated for a Grammy in 1982 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, but that was defeated by The Oaks’ megahit, “Elvira.”)

Watch The Oak Ridge Boys’ announcement below: