When his friend Joe Bonsall died, Blake Shelton wrote a touching tribute.
On and off from 1973 to 2024, Joe played in the country and gospel band The Oak Ridge Boys.
When Blake, 48, posted a picture of himself singing on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys on Tuesday, it went viral.
Not much is known about the photo’s date and place.
He posted on Instagram Stories, “I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsall’s passing.”
“I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life.”
Blackey continued, “He loved singing more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
I am praying for his family and his brothers at @theoakridgeboys. A special person died today.
In 2016, Blake released the song “Doing It to Country Songs,” which featured The Oak Ridge Boys.
Neurological problems related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, killed him.
Unfortunately, ALS is an incurable neuromuscular disease that affects the body’s voluntary muscles.
He told his fans about the diagnosis in January 2024, after four years of fighting the illness.
Joe had a wife named Mary Ann, two daughters named Jennifer and Sabrina, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In addition, Joseph wrote 11 books, with his newest, a memoir called I See Myself, coming out in November, according to a press release from a Bonsall family spokesperson.
“He really enjoyed working on the farm.” We loved the Philadelphia Phillies. According to the statement, “Jesus and his family always came first, and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
It was during Joe’s diagnosis announcement that he was leaving the band.
ENJOYING TIME WITH THE BAND
Billy Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen are the other members of The Oak Ridge Boys besides Joe.
Their most well-known songs are Elvira, Come On In, Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight, and Bobbie Sue.
They won five Grammys and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
There are no original band members left in the current lineup.
“Joe delighted in singing. He really enjoyed reading. He really enjoyed writing. He very much enjoyed playing the banjo.
Little Johnny New, Curly Kinsey, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, and Wally Fowler started the band.
Their American Made: The Farwell tour starts today and runs until December 8.