HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., July 9, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Joe Bonsall, the mustachioed member of country quartet The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, has died at age 76.
Bonsall died for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
He 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 Country Music Hall of Fame.
He authored 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled “I See Myself,” to be released in November.
The Road Ridge Boys, with Bonsall as the tenor, is best known for hits including “Bobbie Sue” and Elvira.”
“Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write,” says a tribute offered by Bonsall’s family through a publicist.
“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.
“At the request of Joe, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.”
