The longtime Oak Ridge Boy member continues to be eulogized by friends and fellow artists.
Friends and fans of the late Joe Bonsall continue to pay their respects — and express their love — for the Oak Ridge Boys mainstay who died Tuesday at age 76. Among the notables paying tribute:
Duane Allen / The Oak Ridge Boys: “When I look at Joe Bonsall’s life, I see a life fulfilled. The son of two military veterans, raised to become street-smart in the hood-influenced neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents taught him that he could be anything he wished to be if he worked hard, told the truth, and trusted in God. Joe could do anything he set his mind to do, but what impressed me the most was the energy, love, and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift to communicate those emotions and feelings into every performance, song, and book. Joe was ‘that’ best friend that every person hopes to have in his life.”
William Lee Golden / The Oak Ridge Boys: “This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son, Rusty Golden, and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall. Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family.”
Richard Sterban / The Oak Ridge Boys: “For many years, Joe was my best friend. We knew each other long before we both became members of The Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, who was loved by everyone and was a true inspiration to us all. He was also the best singing partner a person could have. For several years he bravely fought a terrible disease and was a trooper right up until the very end. There is no doubt that today, he is in a much better place - at HOME with Jesus. I will see you soon my dear friend.”
"The world has lost a familiar and beloved voice. Heaven welcomes another tenor to the Choir. See you there, Joe." - Dennis Quaid
Ricky Skaggs: “I’ve known that this day would be coming sooner than later. The Oaks have had their share of sorrows and pain the last few months with the passing of Dwayne’s precious wife Nora Lee, Bill’s recent loss of his son Rusty, and now the passing of our dear friend Joe. It’s been a lot for all of them to deal with. My prayer is that we as a music community and fellow believers in Jesus would pray for and reach out to the Oaks. The winds of change have blown really hard against them, but I know too that they are men of faith and they will get through this. ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7-8, NKJV.)”
Jeannie Seely: “This is not just another devastating loss to our business, this is a limb gone from the MIGHTY OAKS. There has never been a group like them. They have been a part of our lives in so many ways, sharing not only their music but their personal lives and families. Joe was a major part of that strength. His personality and smile reached out and grabbed you as much as that unmistakable voice. Somehow I believe those are etched in our memories, never to be forgotten.”
“I have known, worked with, and loved Joe Bonsall and the Oaks for almost 50 years. It’s so hard to say goodbye to old friends, especially a true road warrior like Joe.” - Crystal Gayle
Lee Greenwood: “I’m saddened by the loss of my friend of close to 50 years, Joe Bonsall. For so many years he was the high voice with The Oak Ridge Boys who I toured with almost every year of my career. Joe and I would have conversations on the road sometimes before a concert and sometimes afterwards about the crowd, the music and who we are as Americans. My family sends prayers to the Bonsall Family and The Oak Ridge Boys. We will miss you, Joe!”
John Anderson: “I was sad to hear about Joe today. He was such a great singer and entertainer, but above that, he was a wonderful person! I shall always treasure the great laughs we had and his words of encouragement to me very early in my career. Jamie and I send love and prayers to his family and friends during this time. We love you, Joe!”
David and Howard Bellamy, The Bellamy Brothers: “Heartbreaking to hear the news about Joe Bonsall passing. Joey was a true road brother and a great friend for many years. Deepest Condolences to his family and to all the Oak Ridge Boys organization and his many fans.”
Billy Ray Cyrus: “He was amazing talent… friend… and legend. The world of country music lost a great talent… but the angels in heaven gained an incredible voice.”
Gene Watson: “So very sorry to learn that our dear friend Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys has passed. What a great man and great artist he was. Prayers to his family, friends and to his Oak Ridge Boys family.
T. Graham Brown: “We just lost one of the world’s greatest human beings and one of music’s greatest voices. Joe was like a brother and made me a better man. I loved him, and he loved Jesus with all of his heart. He was a sweetheart and every room brightened when he walked in. Sheila and I will miss him terribly. Rest in peace, free of pain, my dear friend.”
“My heart is heavy with the news that we lost Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys. He had a kindness that always made you feel welcome! My heart goes out to his family and the boys in the band, they have endured much loss in a short time. But, as we mourn the loss, we can find joy knowing that Joe is in the presence of our loving savior, Jesus Christ.” - John Berry
T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang: “Losing a long-time friend in our business is like losing a member of your family. Joe was just that to Kelly and me. From the memories we made with him in the recording studio to working the road and doing television shows together, we will treasure them forever. We were so grateful to have him join us on our wedding day. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family, The Oak Ridge Boys, and his fans. Until we meet again, dear friend.”
