Joe Bonsall Cause of Death, What Happened to Joe Bonsall? How Did Joe Bonsall Die?
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Updated Jul 10, 2024
Joe Bonsall Cause of Death
Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control.
Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring earlier in the year due to the advancing effects of the disease, which had made walking impossible for him. Throughout his career spanning five decades with The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall contributed significantly to both gospel and country music, winning numerous awards including Grammys and induction into multiple halls of fame.
What Happened to Joe Bonsall?
Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at the age of 76. Bonsall announced his retirement from touring earlier in the year due to the progression of this neurodegenerative disease, which affected his ability to walk. He joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973 after a successful career with The Keystones.
Who was Joe Bonsall?
Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. (May 18, 1948 – July 9, 2024) was an American singer known for his role as the tenor vocalist in the country and gospel vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys from 1973 to 2023. During his time with the group, they achieved chart success with hits like "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue." Bonsall also had a solo chart credit alongside the band Sawyer Brown in their 1986 single "Out Goin' Cattin'," where he was credited as "Cat Joe Bonsall." His contributions to music spanned over five decades, earning him accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into various halls of fame for his influential career in country and gospel music.
| Birth Name | Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. |
| Born | May 18, 1948 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.) |
| Died | July 9, 2024 (aged 76) |
| Genres | Country, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, author |
| Years Active | 1973–2024 |
| Formerly of | The Oak Ridge Boys |
How Did Joe Bonsall Die?
Joe Bonsall passed away from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis.
Joe Bonsall Illness
Joe Bonsall announced his retirement from touring with the Oak Ridge Boys on January 3, 2024, citing a neuromuscular disease that made walking impossible. Posthumously revealed as ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, this progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of control. Despite battling this illness, Bonsall remained active until his passing on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. His dedication to music and enduring spirit during his illness inspired many in the music community and beyond.
