Joe Bonsall, Oak Ridge Boys Singer, Dead at 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, 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.

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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