Longtime Oak Ridge Boys Member Joe Bonsall Passes Away at 73

Joe Bonsall, a beloved member of country band The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. Bonsall, known for his tenor voice and lively performances, succumbed to complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Bonsall originally joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973 after departing from the gospel group The Keystones. His presence on stage brought joy to countless fans, and he toured with the band until announcing his retirement earlier this year.

The Oak Ridge Boys, a revered country music group, achieved notable success over the years. They won two Country Music Association Awards, including vocal group of the year in 1978 and single of the year in 1981 for their iconic track “Elvira,” which became a top country hit peaking at No. 5.

This legendary band, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, has had a remarkable journey in the music industry. Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Joe Bonsall as the band’s «sparkplug» whose high-energy performances never failed to captivate audiences.

The Oak Ridge Boys made their mark on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1976 and continued with hits like “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” which reached No. 3 in 1977, marking the beginning of a string of successes for the band on the country charts.

With 17 chart-topping singles and a total of 34 top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, The Oak Ridge Boys secured their place among the best in country music history. Their collection of No. 1 songs ranks third, showcasing their enduring popularity in the industry.

As the music world mourns the loss of Joe Bonsall, his exceptional contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys will always be remembered. From their energetic performances to their chart-topping hits, Bonsall’s legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and music lovers worldwide.