After a half-century as an Oak Ridge Boy, singer Joe Bonsall has announced his retirement more than four years after being diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder.
The announcement, made during a concert Saturday in Greenville, Ms, comes amid increased speculation about Bonsall among fans of the country music group. During the show at Harlow’s Casino Resort, Bonsall officially handed over the mic to his touring replacement, singer Ben James.
Since 1973, Bonsall’s tenor vocals and high harmonies have been an integral part of the Oak Ridge Boys sound, including on such crossover hits as “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.”
In a statement, Bonsall said: “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
He continued: “It has been a great 50 years,...
The announcement, made during a concert Saturday in Greenville, Ms, comes amid increased speculation about Bonsall among fans of the country music group. During the show at Harlow’s Casino Resort, Bonsall officially handed over the mic to his touring replacement, singer Ben James.
Since 1973, Bonsall’s tenor vocals and high harmonies have been an integral part of the Oak Ridge Boys sound, including on such crossover hits as “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.”
In a statement, Bonsall said: “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult.”
He continued: “It has been a great 50 years,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Bonsall, the charismatic tenor of the Oak Ridge Boys, has retired from touring with the vocal quartet. The 75-year-old first joined the country-gospel group in 1973, following his departure from the Keystones. Bonsall recorded dozens of albums with the Oak Ridge Boys and sang on such country staples as “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” and the iconic “Elvira.” Bonsall was a captivating presence on the group’s numerous tours, high-stepping and fist-pumping his way across the stage. But Bonsall says that the process of touring and...
- 1/3/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
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