The Oak Ridge Boys’ Tenor Singer Joe Bonsall Died On Tuesday, July 9, At The Age Of 76

As a group that got their start singing gospel music, the Oak Ridge Boys have recorded many songs about Heaven. Now, one of those songs carries a whole new meaning following the death of longtime member Joe Bonsall.

Bonsall died on Tuesday (July 9) at the age of 76. The tenor singer had been with the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years before he performed his last shows in 2023 and retired at the beginning of 2024. His voice can be heard on some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.”

Bonsall passed away following a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Before his death, the singer shared his diagnosis with a “neuromuscular disorder,” but it was not publically revealed to be ALS until after his passing.

n lieu of sending flowers, Bonsall’s family said fans can pay tribute by donating to The ALS Association or The Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center in his memory.

Oak Ridge Boys Revisit Their Emotional Song About Heaven, Titled “Promised Land,” In Wake Of Bonsall’s Death

The Oak Ridge Boys started as a Southern gospel group called the Oak Ridge Quartet in 1943. They changed their name to the Oak Ridge Boys in 1960 and started singing country music in the 1970s.

Bonsall joined the group during that era, in 1973, to be exact. However, the Oak Ridge Boys have always maintained their gospel connections and continue to record faith-based songs and albums.

One of those songs is titled “Promised Land.” It was featured on the group’s 2021 album, Front Porch Singin’.

Bonsall sang lead on the powerful song, which opens with the lines:

“Don’t weep for me when I’m dead and gone, for I’ll just be going home. Heaven’s light will shine on me. It will lead me to Eternity…”

The song ends with the lyrics:

“Now don’t you worry, we’ll meet again, and stay together in the Promised Land.”

On the day that Bonsall died, the Oak Ridge Boys shared the song’s official audio clip on their Facebook page. They included a short message, writing, “This song came from our ‘Front Porch Singin” album, with Joe on lead.”

Fans reacted to the Oak Ridge Boys’ beautiful song and shared their condolences about Bonsall’s death. Some of the comments on the Oaks’ post were:

“What a beautiful song, sung by one of the best…Enjoy the Promised Land Joe…we love you.”

“Joe at his best on this one. Love this song.”

“What a comforting song! Rest in peace Joe!”

“Sometimes the words go unnoticed… but listened to once again it is like he was sending a message… to his loved ones, to his friends and fans.”

“Joe has such a beautiful voice! I bet Jesus and the angels are sure enjoying him!!”

Listen to Bonsall and the Oak Ridge Boys sing about Heaven in their song “Promised Land” in the clip below. Our prayers are with Bonsall’s bandmates and loved ones during this sad time…