Joe Bonsall, the tenor of The Oak Ridge Boys, died Tuesday (July 9) of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the band announced on its website and social media accounts. He was 76 years old and died in Hendersonville, Tenn. Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring earlier this year.
The Oak Ridge Boys, in which Bonsall teamed with Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, first found success as a gospel group. They followed country music in 1977 with “Y'All Come Back Saloon”, the first of their 34 top 10 hits on Advertising signThe Top Country Songs chart.
The Oaks had 17 No. 1 hits on that chart, the third-highest total among a duo and group behind Alabama (33) and Brooks & Dunn (20). Two of Oaks' country chart-toppers became top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Elvira” (No. 5 in 1981) and “Bobbie Sue” (No. 12 in 1982).
The group had three No. 1 albums Advertising signThe Top Country Albums chart, two of which became top 20 albums on the all-genre Billboard 200 – Fancy Free (No. 14 of 1981) and Bobby Soo (No. 20 in 1982).
The Oaks won five Grammys. The first four were in gospel categories. the fifth in the country, for “Elvira”. This platinum-selling smash won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The Oaks won two CMA Awards – Vocal Group of the Year in 1978 and Single of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira”.
They won four ACM Awards – Top Vocal Group in 1978, album of the Year in the same year The Ya'll Come Back Saloonsingle record of the year in 1981 for “Elvira” and the Clifie Stone Pioneer Award in 2007.
As a 50-year member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was 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, the latest in 2015.
“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the spark plug of the Oak Ridge Boys,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement. “He was as exciting a performer as anyone to ever take the gospel or country stage. The tenor's voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing the audience to enter and take off. He definitely lightened us up every time he sang.”
“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,” said Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association. “His commitment to serving others while growing country music into a global sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has improved because of him. Today, we have lost an unparalleled energy and voice in music. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Bonsall was also the author of 11 books, including his latest, a memoir titled I see myselfwhich is expected to be released in November.
At Bonsall's request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt ALS Medical Center and Neuroscience Center.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; granddaughter Breanne; grandson Luke; two great-grandchildren, Chance and Grey; and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr.; and Lillie Bonsall.
Bonsall's death comes just eight days after the death of William “Rusty” Golden, musician, songwriter and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden. The younger Golden died July 1 at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 65 years old.
Watch The Oak Ridge Boys' announcement below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/joe-bonsall-dead-oak-ridge-boys-member-obituary-1235727226/
