Country stars mourn singer Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys

Longtime singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall, has died at the age of 76. Among those who expressed their condolences to the late country legend on social media were numerous country music colleagues.

How did Joe Bonsall die?

Bonsall died on Tuesday (July 9) from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his spokesman said. The singer was a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for five decades before announcing his retirement from the group in January 2024 due to his deteriorating health.

Bonsall was a popular figure in Nashville’s music scene and Blake Shelton was among those who reacted online to the news of his death, writing, “I NEVER saw Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”

Travis Tritt also spoke out and wrote: “Joe had an incredible talent and a wonderful personality and everyone who knew him will miss him terribly.”

What songs did Joe Bonsall sing?

Bonsall sang lead vocals on some of the Oak Ridge Boys’ biggest hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with the other Oak Ridge Boys.

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Others paying tribute online included Hall of Fame, CMA and other country stars. Scroll through the reactions below.

Sterling Whitaker is a senior writer and managing editor at Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows such as 1883 and 1923. He has interviewed cast members such as Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country music legends such as Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs and more.