Sad, Sad Day for Music

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This has been a rough week for music. Of course, I’ll detail them in the monthly music obits list. But the death of Oak Ridge Boys tenor singer Joe Bonsall just couldn’t wait. For over fifty years Bonsall was the tenor singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, and the “newest” member of the “classic” lineup. (The other members joined in 1972 [Richard Sterban], 1966 [Duane Allen], and 1965 [William Lee Golden].) They made a very successful transition from southern gospel music to country music in the late 70s, and even made a major splash in pop with their hit “Elvira.” Last year, Bonsall was forced to retire from the road before the Oak Ridge Boys’ “farewell tour” wrapped up, due to a “neuromuscular disorder” that we discovered today was Lou Gehrig’s Disease (or ALS). He’s been replaced on the tour by former Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver tenor singer Ben James. Speaking of “rough,” this is the second death to hit the Oaks this month. Just last week, William Lee Golden’s son, Rusty, passed away at the age of 65. The Oaks are scheduled to appear one last time at the Kentucky State Fair in August. I saw them 15 times over the years, and they were always a treat. Joe Bonsall was 76. Here’s one of their hand-clapping hits, “You’re the One”: