Country music lovers around the world are mourning the loss of a music great with strong ties to Branson.
Joe Bonsall, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday due to complications from ALS, a neuromuscular disorder.
Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, and enjoyed more than 50 years with the Southern Gospel-turned Country super group, known for such hits as "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," "American Made" and many more. Joe, always a bundle of energy on stage, served as the tenor singer for the legendary Oaks.
Bonsall had recently retired from the group, who announced their farewell tour last fall, due to his illness.
The Oak Ridge Boys were well known in the Branson area, having performed regularly at The Grand Palace, The Mansion Theater, and their own Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, which was located at the intersection of Highways 65 and 248. Their shows were popular with motorcoach groups and individuals alike, who enjoyed their amazing harmonies, timeless tunes and on-stage antics.
They last performed in Branson at The Mansion Entertainment Complex, as part of their farewell tour.
Kristy Adams, the Senior Vice President of Operations at The Mansion Entertainment Complex, was privileged to work with Bonsall and the Oak Ridge Boys for many years.
Said Adams, 'Working with The Oak Ridge Boys for over 14 years has been an incredible experience. Joe was always a bundle of energy, bouncing around the stage and getting the audience up on their feet. I think that made it especially hard when his body decided to give out on him. He never missed a moment to recognize the veterans, the fans or the staff at the theatre, and he was truly grateful for the opportunity to perform. The Oak Ridge Boys have the most loyal fans. They support them and follow them everywhere and honestly, The Oak Ridge Boys consider them family. The bond that our entire crew formed with them over the years is special for sure."
Adams continued, "I'll always remember the last night they performed together at The Mansion. I took a moment with Joe backstage, right before he went on, and shared with him how much he was loved. It was a special moment that I was honored to have with him. After the show that night, Joe was taken off stage and escorted to the bus, only to be met by the entire staff at The Mansion and many loyal fans as they played their last show in Branson. I watched as Joe took a moment with every single person lined up and thanked them for being there. That was Joe Bonsall."
Branson business leader Tracy Gideon shared, "Joe Bonsall was not only a long-time member of The Oak Ridge Boys for five decades, country music legend and Hall of Famer, but some people may not know he was an author of 11 best-selling fiction and nonfiction books, a poet, devoted husband and dad, a wonderful songwriter, and a hard-working farmer, but I am grateful to call him friend. I had the privilege of working with Joe and The Oak Ridge Boys close to two decades in Branson at The Grand Palace, The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre and the Mansion Theatre."
"Joe had so many incredible gifts and talents but I believe that he will be most remembered for his love and dedication to music, family, friends, God and country and all those veterans who served our great country with honor, like his own parents did during World War ll," Gideon continued, adding "Rest in Peace, Dear Joe. We all love you and will miss you so much!"
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