Longtime Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall dead at 76

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Joe Bonsall, who was the longtime singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, died Tuesday from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 76.

Bonsall’s family shared the news, paying tribute to the performer’s love of music.

“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,” they wrote.

The Philadelphia native announced his retirement from touring earlier this year as his battle against ALS, which is a neurodegenerative condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, worsened.

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road,” he told PEOPLE in January. “It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all.”

Bonsall added, “I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”

In addition to being a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, Bonsall was part of the Grand Ole Opry and an inductee to the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

Bonsall also was a prolific author, writing 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November. 

“In I See Myself, Joe Bonsall reflects on his life’s contrasts and crossroads,” reads a press release for the upcoming book. “From growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia to sitting on the front porch of his log home in rural Tennessee. From hanging with a street gang in his teens to surrendering to Christ at a youth camp. From working as a short order cook to headlining sold-out arenas. And now — from running across the stage each night to being sidelined by a neuromuscular disorder that has stolen his mobility. However, despite the changing circumstances of Joe’s life, two things have not changed. His unwavering faith in God. And his ability to inspire others.”

Last December, Bonsall likened his career as part of the Oak Ridge Boys to an “amazing phenomenon” that “took on a life of its own.”

Newly-minted member Ben James spoke about what it was like performing the band’s smash hit Elvira alongside Bonsall.

“Joe handed me the mic and said, ‘You’ve got the next verse. And I’m not sure I will ever get over that moment. Elvira was always on repeat when I was growing up. It’s still one of those timeless songs that never grow old,” James said in a press statement (via USA Today).

After news of his death, remembrances poured in for the singer.

“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a written statement. “His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang.”

John Rich of country music duo Big & Rich called Bonsall “a real friend.”

“He’s left a legacy of incredible music, and endless accounts of his kind heartedness,” Rich wrote on X.

“Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him,” country musician Travis Tritt added.

Bonsall is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. 

mdaniell@postmedia.com