Joe Bonsall, one of many mainstays of nation music’s main vocal group, the Oak Ridge Boys, for 51 years, died Tuesday at 76. The reason for demise was problems of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Bonsall, who had been a well-known face within the group since 1973, introduced his retirement from touring with the group in January, citing his sickness, because the Oak Ridge Boys continued their farewell tour in his absence. Upon his live performance retirement, it was reported that Bonsall, who offered a tenor voice within the group harmonies, nonetheless deliberate to file a brand new album with them this yr.
The group was finest recognized by crossover audiences for the 1981 smash “Elvira,” which not solely hit No. 1 on the nation chart but additionally discovered pop success, reaching No. 5 on Billboard’s Scorching 100. The next yr, “Bobbie Sue” additionally registered success in pop in addition to nation, hitting No. 12 on the Scorching 100 together with topping the chart within the ensemble’s dwelling format. Altogether the band had 17 No. 1 nation songs and landed 34 in nation’s prime 10.
Bonsall was inducted into the Nation Music Corridor of Fame together with three of his fellow group members in 2015. The Oak Ridge Boys have been additionally elected into the Gospel Music Corridor of Fame in 2000.
“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug,” stated Kyle Younger, CEO of the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum, in an announcement memorializing the singer. “He was as thrilling a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or nation stage. His tenor voice was excessive and clear, and his jovial spirit all the time offered a jolt of vitality, instantly rousing audiences to return on in and take a load off. He actually lightened our cares each time he sang.”
The origins of the Oak Ridge Boys return to the Nineteen Forties, and the group took on that identify within the mid-Nineteen Sixties, however the combo was primarily often called a gospel act earlier than Bonsall joined in 1973. Johnny Money helped them get signed to Columbia Data after he enlisted them as company on his single “Reward the Lord and Move the Soup,” however the group didn’t discover main secular success till a subsequent signing to Dot/ABC and the discharge of a tune known as “Y’all Come Again Saloon” that went to No. 3 on the nation chart in 1977. Subsequent No. 1 songs throughout that early interval of success included “Making an attempt to Love Two Lady,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Leaving Louisiana within the Broad Daylight” and “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free.”
Different chart-toppers through the group’s ’70s/’80s streak included “This Loopy Love, “I Guess It By no means Hurts to Damage Generally,” “It Takes a Little Rain” and “No Matter How Excessive.”
The Oak Ridge Boys registered their ultimate No. 1 nation hit with 1989’s “No Matter How Excessive,” however continued to be a profitable touring act — and to be welcomed as company on nation awards exhibits and at different particular events — to the current day.
The group was additionally recognized to Paul Simon followers for the vocal accompaniment they offered on his 1977 hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.”
Bonsall had written 11 books, together with a memoir as a result of be printed this November, “I See Myself.”
In 2022, Bonsall stated he had almost died from pulmonary embolisms. ““I might have simply died final weekend however God will not be by means of with me but,” Bonsall tweeted. “I’m dwelling now after 6 days within the hospital battling pulmonary embolisms … my restoration might take awhile … thanks for the prayers and love proven!”
He recovered and was capable of take part within the preliminary dates of what was dubbed “American Made: Farewell Tour,” starting in September of 2023.
In January, Bonsall posted to X (previously Twitter), “Lots of you realize I’ve been battling a sluggish onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular dysfunction. I’m now to a degree that strolling is not possible so I’ve mainly retired from the highway. It has simply gotten too tough… There’s a younger man named Ben James singing for me on the market and he wants your love and encouragement … his sound is totally different than mine however he brings a ton of expertise to the desk! The @oakridgeboys will end the Farewell Tour with out me however relaxation assured I’m good with all of it! God’s Acquired It!!!”
“Once I consider the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in Nation Music historical past,” stated Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Nation Music Affiliation, “the picture of Joe together with his enormous smile and boundless vitality involves thoughts so clearly. His dedication to serving others whereas growing Nation Music right into a worldwide sensation won’t ever be forgotten and our business has been made higher due to him. Immediately, we misplaced an incomparable vitality and voice in music. He will probably be missed significantly by all who have been lucky to know him.”
Mentioned a demise discover issued by Bonsall’s reps, “Joe beloved to sing. He beloved to learn. He beloved to jot down. He beloved to play banjo. He beloved engaged on the farm. And he beloved the Philadelphia Phillies. However Jesus and his household all the time got here first—and we are going to see him once more on the Promised Day.”
Bonsall is survived by his spouse, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two nice grandsons, Probability and Gray, and a sister, Nancy. He was preceded in demise by his dad and mom Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.
At his request, no funeral will probably be held. In lieu of flowers, donations could also be made to the ALS Affiliation or to the Vanderbilt Medical Heart ALS and Neuroscience Analysis Heart