(WatchDogReport.org) – Hall of Fame Country music legend Joe Bonsall died on July 9 at the age of 76 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, following severe complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which he has been suffering from over the last few months.
Bonsall was one of the lead singers of the Oak Ridge Boys, which reached stardom in the genre after its 1981 hit Elvira. The song was so successful that it reached first place on the Country chart and became such an immediate Pop success that it reached fifth place on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Far from being the only successful hit, the band released the song Bobbie Sue a year later, which also became a Country success and a Pop hit that reached 12th place on Billboard’s Hot 100. Reporters have said that the band had 17 songs that reached first place on the Country chart and explained that one of the main reasons behind such a success was Bonsall’s voice.
In a statement, Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said that Bonsall had been the band’s “sparkplug” over the last five decades, explaining that the Country music legend will forever be missed. He added that music fans will always remember Bonsall not only because of his clear and high tenor voice but also because of his charisma and “jovial spirit.” At the end of his statement, Young detailed that Bonsall was a singer who lightened everyone’s “cares” with each of his songs.
Back in January, Bonsall announced he was no longer going to tour with the group because of his illness. The singer made the announcement while the Oak Ridge Boys were continuing their farewell tour, which many reporters have described as one of the greatest and most emotional moments in Country’s history.
Despite his retirement, Bonsall hinted at the possibility of recording a new album with the band later this year. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
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