Oak Ridge Boys speak out about longtime member Joe Bonsall's death. See what they said
Audrey GibbsEarlier this week, Oak Ridge Boys member and tenor vocalist Joe Bonsall died at 76 years old due to complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
In the midst of Bonsall's death, his band members are speaking out about the loss of their 50-year bandmate. Bonsall retired from the band in December 2023.
On Tuesday morning, the Oak Ridge Boys posted on Instagram to notify their fans of Bonsall's death.
The caption said, "As a 50-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame."
Members of the music community, Bonsall's family and The Oak Ridge Boys bandmates are sharing their individual stories about Bonsall and what he meant to them.
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Here's what they've said.
Joe Bonsall's family speaks out
On Wednesday, Bonsall's family posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The post said: "As Joe would say, he has "left the building". While our loss is Heaven's gain, we know our X accounts will not replace his...Our sweet Joe, Our Honey, Our Daddy, Our Joseph, Our Pop-Pop. We would like to thank you all for the prayers, words of encouragement and stories which lift our spirits and warm our hearts. We would like to share his original press release as follows:
JOE BONSALL, LONG TIME MEMBER OF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, DEAD AT 76
We would also like to thank the amazing people with Alive Hospice and encourage donations, in his name, at http://alivehospice.org/donate He Loved You All and So Do We!
Love, His Mary, @sloanlynn and Dan, @sabrinacarver14 and @Grateful1976, @breannecarver and @lscarver"
Duane Allen, Oak Ridge Boys member
“When I look at Joe Bonsall’s life, I see a life fulfilled. ... His parents taught him that he could be anything he wished to be if he worked hard, told the truth, and trusted in God.
"Joe could do anything he set his mind to do, but what impressed me the most was the energy, love, and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift to communicate those emotions and feelings into every performance, song, and book. Joe was 'that' best friend that every person hopes to have in his life.”
William Lee Golden, Oak Ridge Boys member
“This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son, Rusty Golden, and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall.
"Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family.”
Richard Sterban, Oak Ridge Boys member
“For many years, Joe was my best friend. We knew each other long before we both became members of The Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, who was loved by everyone and was a true inspiration to us all.
"He was also the best singing partner a person could have. For several years he bravely fought a terrible disease and was a trooper right up until the very end. There is no doubt that today, he is in a much better place - at HOME with Jesus. I will see you soon my dear friend.”
Ben James, Oak Ridge Boys member and Bonsall's replacement
“Joe was a true hero to me. His singing is something that I have admired since I was a kid. Nobody could do it like Joe could do it. He was such an encouragement to me. I feel honored that he chose me to sing the tenor line when he decided to come off the road.
"I try my best for Joe and the Boys every night but only Joe can fill that spot. The legacy he leaves with us is something that is irreplaceable. I am forever thankful I got to know and love one of my all-time heroes that was nothing but good to me. I will miss Joe Bonsall. Thank you for loving everyone you met and making them feel like the most important person in your life when you spoke to them. A true gentleman.”
Jim Halsey, Manager of The Oak Ridge Boys
“God love you, Joe Bonsall. You have been an inspiration to fans, friends, and family, especially to me for 52 years. This is a very rough day.”
Don McLean, singer-songwriter and guitarist
“Musicians like Joe Bonsall are not able to be replaced because gospel harmony is quite an art form. Unlike 3-part harmony or 4-part harmony is a whole different kind of mathematics. Joe was a true pioneer and original.”
Crystal Gayle, singer and music producer
“I have known, worked with, and loved Joe Bonsall and the Oaks for almost 50 years. It’s so hard to say goodbye to old friends, especially a true road warrior like Joe.”
Lee Greenwood, singer-songwriter and saxophonist
“I’m saddened by the loss of my friend, Joe Bonsall. For so many years he was the high voice with The Oak Ridge Boys who I toured with almost every year of my career.
"Joe and I would have conversations on the road sometimes before a concert and sometimes afterward about the crowd, the music, and who we are as Americans. My family sends prayers to the Bonsall family.”
For more information about the Oak Ridge Boys, visit oakridgeboys.com.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com.