Oak Ridge Boys Longtime Member Passed Away
Oak Ridge Boy member Joe Bonsall has died at age 76. The iconic longtime member and tenor has died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) complications. Bonsall died on July 9.
Born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bonsall’s love for music started early. His parents were both involved in music, with his father being a singer and his mother playing the piano. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career.
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In the early 1970s, after spending time performing in various regional bands, Joe Bonsall’s life took a turn when he joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973. The Oak Ridge Boys, originally a gospel group, were transitioning to country music, a move that would soon propel them to national fame. Bonsall’s high tenor voice became a defining element of the group’s unique sound.
The 1970s and 1980s were periods of immense success for the Oak Ridge Boys. They achieved a string of hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” “Elvira,” in particular, became a crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 on the pop charts in 1981. The Oak Ridge Boys’ blend of gospel, country, and pop worked with a wide audience, earning them numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards.
While Bonsall’s primary focus has always been on his music, he has also explored other creative areas. He is an accomplished author, having written several books. His works include children’s books like “Molly the Cat,” inspired by his own cat, and inspirational titles such as “G.I. Joe and Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty,” which chronicles the love story of his parents.
Bonsall leaves behind his wife, 2 daughters, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Rest In Peace