Joe Bonsall, the longtime tenor vocalist of the renowned gospel and country group 'The Oak Ridge Boys,' died on Tuesday, July 9. He was 76.
According to his representatives, Bonsall died from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The condition affecting the degenerative neurological system can impact brain and spinal cord nerve cells.
"Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write," his family's statement read. "He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first - and we will see him again on the Promised Day."
John Rich of country music duo 'Big & Rich' wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that country music is crying today. He continued to share that Bonsall was a real friend and someone he looked up to not only as an artist but as a man. He noted that Bonsall had left a legacy of incredible music and endless accounts of his kindheartedness.
Country musician Travis Tritt also shared his sentiments on X, formerly Twitter. He said that Bonsall had amazing talent and a wonderful personality.
Bonsall is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; sister Nancy; granddaughter Breanne; grandson Luke; and great grandsons, Chance and Grey.
He announced his departure from the group on social media almost half a year ago.
"Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder," he wrote. "I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult."
He added that it has been a great 50 years, and he was thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to him.
