Longtime tenor singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall, has a memoir coming out this fall.
After performing with the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, Bonsall announced his retirement in January 2024. Bonsall, who was 75 at the time, decided to step back from life on the road due to recent health challenges.

Bonsall wrote, “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. 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.”

Ben James stepped in for Bonsall for the Oak Ridge Boys’ American Made: Farewell Tour.

Tragically, Joe Bonsall passed away just months after retiring.

According to a press release, he died on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 76.

Bonsall passed away due to complications from the neuromuscular disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The press release read:

“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. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”

Bonsall wrote 11 books over the course of his life.

In 1997, he became a published children’s book author with The Molly Books, a four-part series released by Ideal’s Children’s Books. After announcing his retirement, Bonsall spent his time with his family and working on a new memoir titled I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life.

The news of his memoir was shared to the official Facebook page of the Oak Ridge Boys.

“In ‘I See Myself,’ Joe Bonsall reflects on the contrasts and the crossroads of his life. From growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia to sitting on the front porch of his log home in rural Tennessee.”

Joe Bonsall’s memoir will take fans through his incredible journey—from his teen years in a street gang and finding faith at a youth camp, to working as a short-order cook and headlining sold-out arenas, and finally, to his recent battle with a neuromuscular disorder that has affected his mobility.

“…despite the changing circumstances of Joe’s life, two things have not changed. His unwavering faith in God. And his ability to inspire others.”

Additionally, the post included a link to the memoir on Amazon, where fans can pre-order the hardcover. It will be released on November 13, 2024.

As per Joe Bonsall’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead of flowers, supporters can make donations to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bonsall’s family, friends, and bandmates during this challenging time.