Joe Bonsall, renowned for his tenor role in The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at 76 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, due to ALS complications. Earlier this year, he retired from touring.
The Oak Ridge Boys, originally a gospel group, transitioned to country music in 1977 with their hit “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” launching a successful career.
The group includes Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, achieving 34 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Country Songs chart.
The Oak Ridge Boys have garnered numerous accolades in addition to Grammys. They won the Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year in 1978 and Single of the Year in 1981 for “Elvira.”
They also earned four Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, including Top Vocal Group and Album of the Year for “Ya’ll Come Back Saloon” in 1978, and Single Record of the Year for “Elvira” in 1981.
Their lasting influence on music was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2007.
