Joe Bonsall, long-time member of one of the most popular and enduring groups in American country and gospel music, The Oak Ridge Boys, died today at the age of 76. According to his publicist, the singer, a resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Among the many honors bestowed upon Bonsall as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Country music artists and industry leaders have taken to social media to pay their respects and to show their fondest memories of Joe.
Blake Shelton
I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special… pic.twitter.com/RKVJ7KcXyL
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 9, 2024
Lee Greenwood
I’m saddened by the loss of my friend of close to 50 years, 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… pic.twitter.com/0DRpuBLCTk
— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) July 9, 2024
Kix Brooks
When @joebonsall joined the @oakridgeboys in 1973, it cemented the group's best-known lineup & they made their move into country music. Upon his passing, we salute his talents not only as a singer but as an author as well. https://t.co/9o5dbbuaWP
— ACC with Kix Brooks (@AMCOUNTRYCNTWN) July 9, 2024
Trace Adkins
Joe Bonsall was one of the kindest people I ever met. He was a rock star, and he was a wonderful human being. RIP Joe. @oakridgeboys pic.twitter.com/GpOfRT5JzK
— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) July 9, 2024
Terri Clark
So saddened by the news of the passing of Joe Bonsall …he was such gentleman and truly one of the kindest and most hard working men in music. His heart and energy will be dearly missed. Sending love and prayers to friends and family ….@joebonsall @oakridgeboys pic.twitter.com/k8f4RSxpJc
— Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) July 9, 2024
Travis Tritt
This was one of the last performances that @joebonsall did with @oakridgeboys before leaving the group due to health issues. I cannot express the gratitude I feel that I had a chance to sing good gospel music with these legendary performers https://t.co/P1ZCWjNHXV
— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) July 9, 2024
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
"For fifty years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He lightened our cares every time he sang.”
— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) July 9, 2024
—Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/p51kjbYAU8
CMT
50+ years with The Oak Ridge Boys, a Country Music Hall of Famer, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
— CMT (@CMT) July 9, 2024
Rest in peace, Joe 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9akXLvBLL8
CMA
It is with great sadness to learn of Country Music Hall of Fame member and CMA Awards winner, Joe Bonsall's passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AaIlVGdX7v
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) July 9, 2024
WSM Radio - The Home of the Opry
We are saddened to learn of the passing of @oakridgeboys' Joe Bonsall. Over the years, Joe has been a dear friend to many of us here at WSM. We always knew that when Joe came by the studio, we were all going to have a lot of fun visiting with him. Joe will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/Dnc7ljBYPE
— WSM Radio - The Home of the Opry! (@WSMradio) July 9, 2024
Gene Watson
So very sorry to learn that our dear friend Joe Bonsall of @oakridgeboys has passed. What a great man and great artist he was. Prayers to his family, friends and to his Oak Ridge Boys family. #RIP https://t.co/Ytan5MsAzH pic.twitter.com/CQAcglWIlf
— Gene Watson (@GeneWatsonMusic) July 9, 2024
T. Graham Brown
We just lost one of the world’s greatest human beings. Joe was like a brother and made me a better man. I, so, loved him and he loved Jesus with all of his heart. He was a sweetheart and every room brightened when he walked in. Sheila and I will miss him, terribly. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/ODzdTr01db
— T. Graham Brown (@TGrahamBrown) July 9, 2024
JD Shelburne
I just got word that my friend & mentor @joebonsall of the @oakridgeboys has passed. I am at a loss. We had just texted on Tues. I always made sure we talked every single week. He did so much for me & my career. Say some prayers for his family, I am heartbroken. 🥹💔 @kystatefair pic.twitter.com/W7R3fCJJZt
— JD Shelburne (@JDSHELBURNE) July 9, 2024
