Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall loses battle with ALS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys has died at age 76. He had been battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The Nashville resident was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and had been inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

Last year, Bonsall announced he'd be dropping out of the band's farewell tour.

A funeral will not be held, at his request. In lieu of flowers, fans may donate to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

The Country Music Hall of Fame released the following statement Tuesday:

"For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang."

Country Music Association (CMA) CEO Sarah Trahern also released a statement in Bonsall's memory:

“When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in Country Music history, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly. His commitment to serving others while developing Country Music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has been made better because of him. Today, we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him.”

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