Oak Ridge Boys Reflect on Joe Bonsall’s Legacy and the Band’s Future with Ben James

Joe Bonsall, a long-serving member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away in July 2024. His death has been described as «a struggle» for the group, according to surviving members William Lee Golden and Duane Allen. The band’s reflections on Bonsall’s departure, and the introduction of his successor, Ben James, were shared in a recent interview ahead of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.

«It was a struggle,» Allen stated, recounting the challenges faced by the group since Bonsall’s passing. «It was heart-wrenching to watch him during his decline. But, you know, God works in mysterious ways.» During his final years, Bonsall privately battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His condition, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, remained largely unknown to the public as Bonsall sought to avoid a «pity party.» «Joe just didn’t want any kind of pity party or anything like that happening,» Allen explained.

Bonsall’s quiet resolve lasted until his final moments, Allen recalled, sharing that he had visited Bonsall shortly before his passing. «I went home to get some rest, and he breathed his last breath about 3 a.m.,» Allen noted, reflecting on Bonsall’s «great life» and the deep void left by his absence.

Golden and Allen turned their attention to Bonsall’s successor, Ben James. Golden described the 28-year-old singer as a longtime fan of the group who was discovered by noted producer Tony Brown. Golden mentioned Brown’s enthusiasm, stating that upon hearing James sing, «[Brown] said, ‘Man, you’ve got a voice like Vince Gill. I haven’t heard a voice like that in 35 years.'» James’s ability to harmonize with the group has been praised, and his selection was particularly meaningful as it was Bonsall himself who identified his replacement. «Joe called him when he had to quit and told Ben to ‘Get his singing britches on,'» Golden added.

James appears on The Oak Ridge Boys’ latest album, «Mama’s Boys,» marking his debut contribution to the band. The continuation of the band’s legacy through newcomers like James serves both as a tribute to Bonsall and a progression towards the future.