Celebrating Joe Bonsall and the Oak Ridge Boys’ Impact on Country Music

The oak is often seen as a symbol of strength. When Oak Ridge Boy Joe Bonsall, 76, died on July 9 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it was a shock to many. Bonsall, an integral member of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, was part of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and a regular at the Grand Ole Opry.

Even in his 50s, Bonsall was an avid runner and later took up walking five miles at concert locations to maintain his fitness. He continued to work on his farm in Middle Tennessee until he faced health issues from blood clots and later, ALS.

“A lot of those ships have sailed,” he told Billboard Country Update in a 2023 interview, reflecting on the 50th anniversary of The Oaks’ most successful lineup and contemplating the future.

The history of the Oak Ridge Boys, including members Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, and William Lee Golden, is one of innovation. Bonsall was the last to join the successful lineup in October 1973, which had evolved since its 1945 beginnings as The Georgia Clodhoppers and later, The Oak Ridge Quartet.

After Bonsall joined, the group transitioned into country music in the mid-1970s. Bonsall’s tenor was a defining feature in their first country hit, “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” in 1977. The act further evolved in 1981 during the crossover of the country genre with hits like the novelty “Elvira,” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Bobbie Sue,” which hit No. 12. Bonsall’s voice added a unique quality to these hits, complemented by his tender performances in songs like “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes.”

Each member of The Oaks took the lead on different releases, with the group accumulating 17 No. 1 hits among 34 top 10 country singles. Teamwork was a hallmark of their success.

“That’s been one of the secrets to our success,” Bonsall said. “All four guys can actually sing, and we feature them all on different leads, so the show was not boring.”

The group’s approach to concerts was particularly groundbreaking. They adopted complex staging and advanced lighting systems, influenced by rock acts like KISS and Alice Cooper. This was unlike most country artists at the time, who were content to perform behind a microphone. Bonsall’s high-energy presence on stage allowed the group to integrate more elaborate stagecraft.

“Even in the gray days, when the Oaks went onstage, we invested,” Bonsall recalled. “I think we borrowed money to buy a huge logo of the Oak Ridge Boys for a lighted sign that came down behind us, no matter where we were playing. We were already ahead of it, production-wise.”

Bonsall, born in Philadelphia, was immersed in vocal harmony from a young age, performing with local groups before joining The Keystones, a gospel act that included Richard Sterban. Bonsall also promoted concerts and hit it off with Allen and Golden when he booked The Oaks. When Sterban left The Keystones for Elvis Presley’s tour in 1972, Bonsall turned The Keystones into a more rock-edged ensemble.

After joining The Oaks in 1973, the group’s forward-thinking mentality helped them become a significant country act. They competed with pop and rock artists in the ’80s, integrating smoke, lasers, and large productions in their shows.

“We made sure that we went out there with smoke and lasers and a big set,” Bonsall remembered. “When we’d do ‘Dancing the Night Away,’ man, I could run around on my own ramp. I mean, it was so cool. We had a big production.”

The Oaks transitioned over the years from country newcomers to veteran performers. Bonsall expanded his career, writing 11 books and occasionally playing banjo with other artists. Despite their long tenure, The Oaks remained committed to their rigorous touring schedule.

“We don’t even know how to slow down,” said Bonsall last year. “I guess we feel as Christian men that God will tell us. God has guided our career, he’s guided our personal lives and our families. We’ve been very, very blessed. I think God will tell us when it’s time, and he may be whispering in my ear.”

Bonsall played his last concert with The Oaks on Dec. 17 and announced his retirement from touring in January. His deep commitment to the group was evident, even in everyday encounters.

“Some guy says, ‘Aren’t you one of the…’ ‘Yep, that’s my middle name: of the.’ Our middle names are all ‘of the.’”

Bonsall, of the Oak Ridge Boys, chose not to have a funeral. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Association or Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Source: Billboard Country Update