Oak Ridge Boys Singer Joe Bonsall Dead at 76

Joe Bonsall, a tenor singer and longtime member of the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday (July 9) of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS.) He was 76 years old.

His death was announced in a statement from the band's publicity team. Bonsall announced his retirement from touring back in January due to the progression of his illness.

Born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Penn., Bonsall spent five decades as an Oak Ridge Boys member, singing on hits such as "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue" and "American Made." As part of his work with the group, 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 and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work in music, Bonsall was the author of 11 books, including a memoir called I See Myself that is slated for release in November.

Beginning last September, Bonsall toured with the Oaks for their American Made: Farewell Tour. However, in January, he announced his decision to retire, explaining that his neuromuscular disorder had made walking impossible. He was replaced by a 27-year-old singer named Ben James.

Bonsall was open about his health struggles in his latter years. He had a brush with death in 2022 after doctors found pulmonary embolisms, requiring a six-day hospital stay. "I could have easily died last weekend but God is not through with me yet," he told fans in a tweet following that experience.

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The Oak Ridge Boys have been affected by multiple tragedies this year. Bonsall's death comes just one week after singer William Lee Golden announced the death of his son, William "Rusty" Golden, who died at age 65 at his Nashville-area home.

Bonsall is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family is requesting privacy as they grieve his loss.

At the singer's request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, fans wishing to express their sympathies can make donations to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Carena Liptak is an Associate Editor and staff writer at Taste of Country. She specializes in breaking country music news, interviews and lists. In particular, she’s got a soft spot for sad songs — check out her roundup of the 50 Saddest Country Songs of All Time!