Oak Ridge Boys lead singer and country singer Joe Bonsall passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The musician was part of the band for 51 years before announcing his retirement from touring in January. After retiring from the band, the musician revealed that he would release two new albums this year.
The singer has had a successful career in the music industry, including several hit songs with other band members. One of the biggest hits in the singer’s career was Elvira, which was released in 1981 and topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Who was Joe Bonsall?
Born on May 18, Joe Bonsall was a country music mainstay and one of the key members of the Oak Ridge Boys Band for nearly 50 years before announcing his retirement from touring. In addition to singing, Bonsall was a great author, and his love for writing was reflected in books such as the popular 2003 novel GI Joe and Lily, a four-part children’s book and a story about his parents after World War II.
Bonsall had an interest in music since his early college days. The country artist released his first single titled Out Goin’ Cattin in 1986. Bonsall’s contribution to the music industry has been enormous, and to honor his work, the artist was inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 along with other members of his group. The Oak Ridge Boys were also honored at the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
On January 3, the musician released a statement claiming he was retiring from the boy band after suffering from a neuromuscular disorder. Even though Ben James replaced Bonsall in the band, the country singer remained with the group.
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Tributes paid to Joe Bonsall
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young released a statement expressing his condolences to Joe Bonsall’s family. He said, “He was as exciting a performer as any to ever grace any gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was loud and clear, and his happy spirit always provided a jolt of energy that made the audience want to come right away and unload. He certainly lightened our burden every time he sang.”
Some of Bonsall’s hit songs during his career include Trying to Love Two Women, I’ll Be True to You, Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight, and Fancy Free.
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