Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys passes away
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Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys passes away

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – Joseph S. Bonsall, tenor vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, died today at 76 in Hendersonville, Tenn. from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

As a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into 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.

"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 comes to mind so clearly. His commitment to serving others while developing Country Music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has been made better because of him. Today, we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him," said Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO.

Bonsall, a Philadelphia native who was a member of the Keystone Quartet and recording on Oak Ridge Boys memner Duane Allen's Superior label, joined in April 1973. Bonsall was in the Keystones during the late 1960s, recording much of the Oak Ridge Boys' songs.

Bonsall has a solo chart credit alongside the band Sawyer Brown in their 1986 single "Out Goin' Cattin'," on which he was credited as "Cat Joe Bonsall".

In 1997, Bonsall released a four-part children's book series, "The Molly Books," and in 2003 published "GI Joe and Lillie," a book about his parents' lives during and after World War II.

As of September 2023, the Oak Ridge Boys have been on their American Made Farewell Tour. On Jan. 3, 2024, Bonsall released a statement announcing his retirement from touring with the Oak Ridge Boys, citing a neuromuscular disorder as the reason. For the rest of the tour, Bonsall was replaced by Ben James.

He was also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir, "I See Myself," which releases in November

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.

He was born in 1948 to Joseph Sloan Bonsall Sr. (1925–2001), and Lillie Maude Collins (1924–2001).

Bonsall leaves behind his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.


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CD review - Down Home Christmas While eight Christmas releases might seem a bit much for any other band, for a group like The Oak Ridge Boys, with a pedigree that goes back over 50 years, it feels just right. Joined for the third time by producer Dave Cobb, the outfit lends their signature harmonies to a collection of songs that is pure Oak Ridge, continuing to merge the worlds of southern gospel, country and a few other sounds. Highlights include the doo-wop flavors of "Reindeer on the Roof," shiny bright rocking ...
CD review - 17th Avenue Revival With a group history that spans over 50 years, gospel and country music mainstays The Oak Ridge Boys are at a place when they could conceivably rest on their laurels, release a few greatest hits records and coast the rest of the way through their careers, and fans would still be pleased. Yet, this quartet is not content to rest. Calling once again upon producer Dave Cobb, who helped to press new energy into the group's career in 2009 with "The Boys Are Back," The Oak Ridge Boys have ...
CD review - Front Row Seats It's hard not to love the Oak Ridge Boys. They are American music icons with a history dating back to the mid part of the last century. The current foursome - Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sturban and William Lee Golden - have made music together, with the exception of Golden's temporary departure a few years back, for decades. Who can forget their big hits from the '70s and '80s, including "Elvira," Bobby Sue," "The Y'all Com Back ...


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