The Oak Ridge Boys members list explored as iconic singer Joe Bonsall passes away at 76

Joe Bonsall, 76, singer and member of The Oak Ridge Boys, unexpectedly passed away on July 9, 2024, due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He had been dealing with health issues for a long time and had to stop touring this year.

Bonsall's death was announced through a statement on his official website, which recalled his flawless work over the years. It reads in part:

"Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November. Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies."

The statement posted on the website (Image via Joseph S. Bonsall)

Furthermore, the announcement revealed that a funeral won't be organized for Joe Bonsall at his request. The group requested fans to send donations to The ALS Association alongside the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Also known as Joseph Sloan Bonsall Sr., he served as a vocalist of the Oak Ridge, Tennessee-based group. Joe spent his childhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his family members also included a sister named Nancy Marie.

The group underwent several changes throughout the years. The current members include William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, and Richard Sterban.

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The Oak Ridge Boys members went through multiple changes over the years

The journey of The Oak Ridge Boys dates back to the 40s and it began with Wally Fowler. The group was known as Georgia Clodhoppers and the name was later changed to Oak Ridge Quartet. The group soon became popular for being featured on television and they became The Oak Ridge Boys in 1966.

William Lee Golden joined as a member the previous year followed by bass singer Richard Sterban in 1972. The next person to become a part of the band was Joe Bonsall and the band slowly began releasing albums, which failed to receive a positive response.

On the other hand, multiple musicians played for the band during the 50s and 60s. The list includes names such as Bob Prather, Les Roberson, Smitty Gatlin, Herman Harper, Steve Sanders, and many others.

Keyboardist Ron Fairchild also performed with The Oak Ridge Boys since 1980 alongside Rex Wiseman, Scotty Simpson, and Darin Favorite as guitarists. Late musician Steve Sanders had once joined as a guitarist in 1981. Apart from him, Calvin Newton was a vocalist from 1953 to 1956.

Record producer Tony Brown was a pianist for the band in 1972. There have been several drummers who played for the group, including Mark Ellerbee, David Northup, Fred Satterfield, and Michael Saleem.

Meanwhile, Austin Curcuruto currently plays drums and he joined in 2017. Musicians who stayed with the group for a year include Gary Trusler, Bobby Clark, Boyce Hawkins, Dee Allen, Paul Martin, and more.

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Joe Bonsall's health forced him to quit touring

Back in January this year, Bonsall announced that he would discontinue going on tour with The Oak Ridge Boys due to his neuromuscular disorder. Joe spoke to People magazine, saying that he was having trouble walking and continued:

"It has just gotten too difficult. 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."

A month before the announcement came out, Ben James joined the group as his replacement, and the same was revealed during the band's performance at Greenville, Mississippi.

Meanwhile, Joe's survivors include his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, sister Nancy, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, and great-grandsons, Chance and Grey.