Legendary singer of the Country Music Hall of Fame group has died

Joe Bonsall, lead singer of the Oak Ridge Boys whose stirring tenor voice lent excitement to the group’s early ’80s country hits such as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made,” has died. Bonsall was 76. According to a press release, the cause of death was complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In January, Bonsall, who has been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, announced that he would be retiring from touring due to the neuromuscular disorder. In a statement at the time, Bonsall said: “I am grateful to all of the Oak Ridge Boys, the band, crew and staff for the constant love and support they have shown me throughout this time. The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the farewell tour without me, but rest assured, I am doing just fine! God has it under control!!!”

Singer Ben James was hired to sing Bonsall’s parts, alongside longtime members Duane Allen, William Lee Golde and Richard Sterban.

Oak Ridge Boys, a Grammy-winning, gospel-influenced country singing group with roots dating back to the 1940s, have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Bonsall’s memoir, “I See Myself,” is scheduled to be published in November. It will be his eleventh book as an author. In addition to singing and the Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall enjoyed playing the banjo and watching Philadelphia Phillies baseball games.

At Bonsall’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

In a joint statement on social media, the surviving Oak Ridge Boys said: “We ask that everyone respect the Bonsall family’s privacy at this time.”

On X/Twitter, country star Travis Tritt wrote: “My heart is heavy this morning after hearing that my friend @oakridgeboys, tenor @joebonsall, has passed away at the age of 76. Joe had incredible talent and a wonderful personality and everyone who knew him will miss him terribly.”

In a statement, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said: “For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the spark that ignited the Oak Ridge Boys. His tenor voice was high and clear and his cheerful spirit always provided a boost of energy and immediately woke the audience to come in and relax. He took away our worries every time he sang.”

It has been a sad few weeks for the Oak Ridge Boys family. Golden’s son, singer Rusty Golden, died on July 1 at the age of 65.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ farewell tour continues on July 31 in Ocean City, New Jersey.