Joe Bonsall, Oak Ridge Boys Singer, Dead at 76
Joe Bonsall, the tenor vocalist of music group The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on July 9 after battling ALS for four years. He was 76 years old.
The news was reportedly shared by a spokesperson for the family, via Deadline. At the time of his death, Bonsall was living in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Bonsall's death comes only days after Rusty Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden who was also a notable singer and musician, died. No cause of death was shared.
The band is known for hit songs like "Elvira," “Bobbie Sue," and “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes," among other major releases. The Oak Ridge Boys won five Grammys and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Just after passing his 50th anniversary of singing with the band, Bonsall announced his retirement from touring in January of this year at a concert.
According to Deadline, Bonsall said of the decision, "Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
"It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all," he added.
A statement from Bonsall's reps after his death said: "Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play 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 him again on the Promised Day.”
The singer is survived by his wife, Mary Bonsall, their daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
