Joe Bonsall – “Tenor of Harmony”

Joe Bonsall, the celebrated tenor of The Oak Ridge Boys, left an indelible mark on country and gospel music during his five-decade career. His journey from the streets of Philadelphia to the heights of musical stardom is a testament to his talent, dedication, and faith. This article delves into the life, career, and legacy of Joe Bonsall, exploring his contributions to music, literature, and beyond.

Joe Bonsall was born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the rough streets of North Philadelphia, young Joe found his passion for music at an early age. At just four years old, he entered a talent contest as a singer and even appeared on local television. However, his path wasn’t always smooth.

As a teenager, Bonsall briefly lost his way, joining a street gang at age 12 and turning his back on music and religion. But a severe beating at age 14 became a turning point, prompting him to reassess his life choices. This experience led him back to his true passion: music.

Fascinated by vocal harmonies, particularly those in gospel quartets, Bonsall joined a local group called The Faith Four Quartet. It was during this time that he honed his skills and developed the distinctive tenor voice that would later become his trademark.

The Oak Ridge Boys Era

1. Joining the Group

In 1973, Joe Bonsall’s life changed forever when he joined The Oak Ridge Boys. The group, which had its roots in gospel music dating back to the 1940s, was on the cusp of transitioning to country music. Bonsall’s addition completed the modern lineup of the band, joining Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban.

2. Notable Achievements and Awards

With Bonsall’s high-energy tenor voice, The Oak Ridge Boys soared to new heights. They achieved a string of 34 top 10 country hits between 1977 and 1991, including 17 No. 1 smashes. Their biggest hit, “Elvira,” topped the country chart and reached the fifth spot on the all-genre Hot 100 chart in 1981.

The group’s success wasn’t limited to chart performance. They won multiple Grammy Awards, including one for their rendition of “Elvira.” In 2015, The Oak Ridge Boys, including Bonsall, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing their place in music history.

3. Joe’s Unique Contribution

On stage, Bonsall became known as the group’s “spark plug.” His energetic performances, bouncing along and cheerleading, added a dynamic element to their shows. While Duane Allen usually sang lead, Bonsall’s high vocals were often just as ear-catching, contributing significantly to the group’s distinctive sound.

Beyond Music: Joe’s Other Pursuits

1. Writing Career

Joe Bonsall wasn’t just a talented singer; he was also a prolific author. He penned 11 books throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as a creative artist. His works ranged from children’s books to inspirational biographies and personal memoirs.

In 1997, Bonsall released a four-part children’s book series titled “The Molly Books.” In 2003, he published “G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty,” an inspirational biography about his parents’ lives during and after World War II.

His final book, “I See Myself,” a memoir written in early 2024, is scheduled for posthumous release in November 2024. This last work promises to offer intimate insights into Bonsall’s life and career.

2. Banjo Playing

Away from the spotlight, Bonsall found joy in playing the banjo. He had studied the instrument for 13 years and often retreated to his farm on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line to play. This passion for the banjo added another layer to his musical repertoire and provided a personal outlet for his creativity.

3. Farm Life in Tennessee

After nearly five decades in Nashville, Bonsall embraced farm life. He owned a 350-acre farm where he could often be found riding his John Deere tractor or sitting on the front porch playing his banjo. This connection to the land offered him a peaceful retreat from the demands of his musical career.

Health Challenges and Retirement

In early 2024, Joe Bonsall faced a significant health challenge that would ultimately lead to his retirement from The Oak Ridge Boys. He was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder, later identified as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALS is a debilitating condition that affects nerve cells crucial for muscle control, leading to challenges in basic movements such as walking and talking. The disease typically results in fatality within three to five years of diagnosis.

In January 2024, Bonsall announced his retirement from touring, explaining that his condition had made walking impossible. It was a difficult decision for a man who had spent half a century on stage, but one that was necessary for his health.

Despite stepping away from touring, Bonsall’s spirit remained undiminished. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from his bandmates, crew, and fans throughout his 50-year career.

Joe’s Final Project: “I See Myself”

Even as he faced health challenges, Joe Bonsall continued to create. His final project was a memoir titled “I See Myself,” written in early 2024. This book, scheduled for posthumous release in November 2024, promises to offer readers an intimate look into Bonsall’s life, career, and reflections.

The memoir is expected to cover Bonsall’s journey from his early days in Philadelphia to his half-century with The Oak Ridge Boys. It’s likely to include behind-the-scenes stories from his music career, insights into his writing process, and personal anecdotes that shaped his life and faith.

“I See Myself” stands as a final testament to Bonsall’s creativity and his desire to connect with fans even after his retirement from performing. It’s a fitting capstone to a career spent entertaining and inspiring others through music and words.

Personal Life

Joe Bonsall’s personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. He was married to Mary Ann (Bell) Babler from September 23, 1982, until his passing. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina.

Family was always a priority for Bonsall. He was a proud grandfather to Breanne and Luke, and a great-grandfather to Chance and Grey. His sister, Nancy, remained close to him throughout his life.

Bonsall’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. A born-again Christian, he was always quick to give God credit for his accomplishments. This faith informed not only his music but also his approach to life and his interactions with others.

Outside of music and family, Bonsall was an avid sports fan. He was a lifelong supporter of the Philadelphia Phillies, often saying, “I live and die with the Phillies, no matter where they are in the standings.” After moving to Nashville, he also became a Tennessee Titans football fan, holding season tickets since the team’s arrival in the city in 1998.

Legacy and Impact

Joe Bonsall’s impact on country and gospel music is immeasurable. As a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, he helped shape the sound of country music for decades. The group’s ability to blend country, gospel, and pop elements set them apart in the music industry and influenced countless artists who followed.

Beyond his musical contributions, Bonsall’s writings touched many lives. His children’s books, inspirational biographies, and personal memoirs showcased his storytelling abilities and allowed him to connect with audiences in a different way.

Bonsall’s energetic stage presence and distinctive tenor voice were key elements of The Oak Ridge Boys’ appeal. His performances brought joy to millions of fans around the world, and his dedication to his craft inspired many aspiring musicians.

Perhaps most importantly, Bonsall’s life exemplified the values he held dear: faith, family, hard work, and giving back to others. Through his music, his writings, and his personal interactions, he touched countless lives and left the world a little brighter.

Conclusion

Joe Bonsall’s journey from the streets of Philadelphia to the heights of country music stardom is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and faith. For five decades, he lent his distinctive tenor voice to The Oak Ridge Boys, helping to create some of the most beloved songs in country and gospel music.

But Bonsall was more than just a singer. He was a prolific author, a dedicated family man, and a person of deep faith. His contributions to music and literature will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

While Joe Bonsall may have left the stage, his legacy lives on through the timeless music of The Oak Ridge Boys, his heartfelt writings, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career. He remains a shining example of how talent, hard work, and faith can lead to a life of extraordinary achievement and impact.