Longtime Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall has died at the age of 76, and a number of his fellow country stars were among those who turned to social media to share their tributes to the late country legend.

How Did Joe Bonsall Die?

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

Bonsall was a beloved figure in Nashville’s music scene, and Blake Shelton was among those who reacted to the news of his death online, writing, ” I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”

I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special… pic.twitter.com/RKVJ7KcXyL

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 9, 2024

Travis Tritt also weighed in, writing, “Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.”

My heart is heavy this morning after hearing that my friend @oakridgeboys tenor @joebonsall has passed away at the age of 76. Joe had amazing talent and a wonderful personality and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him. Joe is with our Lord Jesus now and that brings…

— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) July 9, 2024

What Songs Did Joe Bonsall Sing?

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, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside the other Oak Ridge Boys.

“For fifty years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He lightened our cares every time he sang.”
—Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/p51kjbYAU8

— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) July 9, 2024

It is with great sadness to learn of Country Music Hall of Fame member and CMA Awards winner, Joe Bonsall’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AaIlVGdX7v

— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) July 9, 2024

I’m saddened by the loss of my friend of close to 50 years, Joe Bonsall. For so many years he was the high voice with The Oak Ridge Boys who I toured with almost every year of my career. Joe and I would have conversations on the road sometimes before a concert and sometimes… pic.twitter.com/0DRpuBLCTk

— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) July 9, 2024