Nashville, Tennessee (WKRN) — Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall has announced plans to retire from touring, according to a release.
Bonsall, 75 years old; shared the explanation Along with Oak Ridge Boys fans, he said he has been battling a “late-onset” neuromuscular disorder for more than four years.
“Right now I can't even walk, so I've basically retired from the road,” he said. “It's become too difficult.”
He continued, “It's been an amazing 50 years. I would like to thank the entire Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the continued love and support you have shown me throughout these 50 years. I will never forget and I would like to thank everyone who has always supported me and prayed for me and I ask that you continue to pray for me.”
According to the band's website, Bonsall began singing around the age of 4 and fell in love with the harmonies of Southern gospel music in his mid-teens. He joined the group in his 1973 year and served as its main spokesperson on stage. He is also the author of several books.
Bonsall said he has no intention of finishing the Oak Ridge Boys' farewell tour. His replacement will be 27-year-old singer-songwriter Ben James, who was announced by band members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban during a concert in Greenville, Mississippi, on December 30. Ta.
“There's a young man named Ben James singing for me. He needs your love and encouragement… His sound is different than mine, but he brings a lot of talent. We’ll give it to you!’” Bonsall said. “Don't worry, everything is fine with me! God got it!!!”
James was introduced to the Oak Ridge Boys in 2022 during a concert in Wheeling, West Virginia.
“Joe handed me the microphone and said, 'Here's the next verse,'” James said. “And I don't know if I'll ever get over that moment. When I was a kid, 'Elvira' was always on repeat. It's still one of those timeless songs that never gets old. ”
Bonsall and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The Oak Ridge Boys are planning a full touring calendar through June, with plans to return to the studio in late January.
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