Joe Bonsall, the celebrated tenor of the iconic country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, has died at the age of 76. Bonsall passed away on Tuesday, July 9, due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition he had been battling for the past four years.
Bonsall’s contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys spanned over five decades, marking him as a mainstay in the group known for its harmonic vocal style and hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” His powerful tenor voice played a pivotal role in the evolution and enduring popularity of the band.
Born in 1948, Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, helping the group achieve immense success with multiple Grammy awards and chart-topping albums. His retirement in January was a bittersweet moment for fans, as it marked the end of an era for the group.
The music community mourns the loss of Joe Bonsall, whose influence and legacy in country music will be remembered and cherished by fans and fellow musicians alike. His passion and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the genre.