Country Stars Mourn Oak Ridge Boys Singer Joe Bonsall’s Passing

Longtime Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall has passed away at the age of 76. Many of his fellow country stars turned to social media to share their tributes to the late country legend.

Bonsall died on Tuesday (July 9) due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as confirmed by a statement from his publicist. The singer had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys for five decades before announcing his retirement from the group in January 2024 because of his declining health.

Bonsall was a cherished figure in Nashville’s music scene. Blake Shelton expressed his sorrow online, writing, “I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”

Travis Tritt also paid his respects, stating, “Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.”

Bonsall sang lead on some of the Oak Ridge Boys’ biggest hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2015, Bonsall and the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame, the CMA, and more country stars joined in to pay tribute online.