Joe Bonsall, the charismatic tenor of the Oak Ridge Boys, has retired from touring with the vocal quartet. The 75-year-old first joined the country-gospel group in 1973, following his departure from the Keystones. Bonsall recorded dozens of albums with the Oak Ridge Boys and sang on such country staples as “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” and the iconic “Elvira.” Bonsall was a captivating presence on the group’s numerous tours, high-stepping and fist-pumping his way across the stage. But Bonsall says that the process of touring and performing has become too grueling for him to continue.
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder,” Bonsall shared in a statement. “I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
The Oak Ridge Boys have been performing shows on their American Made Farewell Tour in celebration of their lineup’s 50th anniversary. It’s scheduled to run through September. Bonsall, a Philadelphia native, will be replaced in the touring band by 27-year-old Ben James, who will join remaining Oaks members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban.
“He needs your love and encouragement,” Bonsall continued. “His sound is different than mine, but he brings a ton of talent to the table! The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”
The musician’s departure marks the first shift in the quartet’s lineup since the late Steve Sanders stood in for Golden for an eight-year period of time. The band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
“It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all,” Bonsall added. “I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”