Oak Ridge Boys Member Joe Bonsall Passes Away at 76

The singer “passed on to Glory,” according to his publicist, on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Joe Bonsall, long-time member of one of the most popular and enduring groups in American country and gospel music, The Oak Ridge Boys, has died. According to to his publicist, the singer, a resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on on July 9, 2024 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Bonsall was a member for 50 years of the exceedingly popular vocal quartet, which was originally formed way back in the early 1940s to provide much sought-after entertainment for the large number of staff members (and their families) working at the highly restricted and secretive Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Bonsall, a tenor, joined the group in 1973, and, along with the the classic lineup consisting of fellow members Duane Allen (lead vocals), William Lee Golden (baritone), and Richard Sterban (bass), sang on all of the group’s biggest hits, including “Elvira” (1981), “Bobbie Sue” (1982), and “American Made” (1983). Bonsall joined the quartet one last time for the early dates of the group’s farewell tour, launched late last year, though his illness compelled a replacement to take over for him during the remainder of the tour, beginning in early January, 2024.

The Oak Ridge Boys – Gospel Highlights
hqdefault.jpg
On Now
Because He Lives [Live]
hqdefault.jpg
On Now
The Oak Ridge Boys - Lead Me to That Rock [Live]
hqdefault.jpg
On Now
Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee (Live At Studio C, Gaither Studios, Alexandria, IN/2...
hqdefault.jpg
On Now
Oak Ridge Boys sing “I Love to Tell the Story”

Among the many honors bestowed upon Bonsall as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, he was a member of of the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was also the author of 11 books, including a memoir set for release in November, “I See Myself.”

From his publicist: “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.”

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Presented by Lehman’s & Farm Show Magazine, join us for the best in Cajun Cookin’ with the master cook, Mr. Justin Wilson, as he tells funny Cajun stories and demonstrates the Cajun way of cooking up some WILD GAME, CHICKEN, BEEF, SEAFOOD & PORK. I Garontee!
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.
Filmed in front of a live audience at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” features an eclectic array of popular artists from genres of folk, blues, country, jazz, new-age, and rock.
FarmHER is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.