Joe Bonsall Net Worth 2025: Bio, Wife, Career, Death & More
Joe Bonsall net worth was about $5 million. Discover his bio, age, death, career highlights, personal life, height, wife, children, and other facts.

Joe Bonsall, an iconic figure in country music. He is best known as a long-time member of the Grammy-winning group, The Oak Ridge Boys. He has captivated audiences with his powerful vocals and storytelling. He is a celebrated author with several books to his name.
From humble beginnings to his rise as a celebrated musician, his career spans over five decades. He is admired for his vocal talents, storytelling, and contributions to music, which have left a lasting legacy.
In this article, I will cover Joe Bonsall net worth, early life, career, family, and many fascinating facts about him.
Who was Joe Bonsall
Joe Bonsall was an American singer and songwriter best known for his role as the tenor vocalist of the country and gospel vocal quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys. He was a beloved figure in the music industry and was known for his powerful voice and his ability to connect with audiences.

He was born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began singing at a young age and joined his first gospel group, the Keystones, in 1967. In 1973, he left the Keystones to join the Oak Ridge Boys, replacing longtime member Wally Fowler.
With the Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall achieved great success, recording numerous hit songs such as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.”
Joe Bonsall Biography
Here is a table showing his complete profile summary.
Profile | Details |
Full Name | Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr. |
Born On | May 18, 1948 |
Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Died On | July 9, 2024 |
Death Place | Hendersonville, Tennessee, 1 U.S. |
Age | 76 Years |
Occupation | Singer, Author |
Known for | Tenor vocalist of the Oak Ridge Boys |
Years active | 1973–2024 |
Spouse | Mary Ann Bonsall |
Children | 2 daughters |
Early Career | Member of the gospel group “The Keystones” (1967-1973) |
Genre | Country, Gospel, Southern Gospel |
Musical Instruments | Vocals |
Record Label | RCA Records, Capitol Records, Atlantic Records |
Notable Awards | Two Grammy Awards, Multiple Country Music Association Awards |
Joe Bonsall Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
Author | Wrote several books, including a children’s book series and a memoir |
Legacy | Known for his powerful voice, stage presence, and contributions to country and gospel music |
Joe Bonsall Early Life
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 18, 1948. His early life was deeply influenced by music. He grew up in a family that cherished music. He was exposed to various genres from an early age.
He actively pursued his musical passion when he was just a teenager. He joined local gospel groups, where he gained invaluable experience. These early performances provided a crucial platform for him to develop his stage presence.
The dedication and hard work he invested during these formative years proved instrumental in shaping his future career as a renowned vocalist with the Oak Ridge Boys.
Joe Bonsall Education
His formal education is not widely documented, it is evident that his early immersion in music played a crucial role in his personal and professional development.
He grew up in Philadelphia, a city rich in musical traditions. His education was shaped more by his musical experiences and performances than by traditional academic pursuits
Joe Bonsall Age
Joe Bonsall was born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had a long and successful career in the music industry as the tenor vocalist of the Oak Ridge Boys. Sadly, he passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76.
Joe Bonsall Career
He honed his vocal talents in various musical settings before finding fame with the Oak Ridge Boys. He began singing at a young age, nurtured by a family that cherished music. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career.
He joined The Keystones, a prominent gospel group. This experience proved invaluable, providing him with crucial stage experience and refining his vocal techniques. Performing with The Keystones allowed him to develop his stage presence and build a strong foundation for his future success.
Joining the Oak Ridge Boys
His career took a significant turn in 1973 when he joined the legendary country music group, the Oak Ridge Boys. He quickly became an integral part of the group’s signature sound by replacing longtime member Wally Fowler.

His powerful tenor voice blended seamlessly with the other members, creating a unique and captivating vocal harmony. The Oak Ridge Boys, with Bonsall as a key member, experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Chart-Topping Hits and Enduring Success
With Joe Bonsall as the tenor vocalist, the Oak Ridge Boys achieved unparalleled success. They delivered a string of chart-topping hits, including iconic songs like “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.”
These songs became anthems, resonating with audiences worldwide and solidifying the Oak Ridge Boys’ place in country music history. Their popularity soared, leading to extensive touring schedules both domestically and internationally.
The Oak Ridge Boys became known for their electrifying live shows, captivating audiences with their energy and showmanship.
Solo Ventures and Other Endeavors
He is primarily known for his work with the Oak Ridge Boys but he also explored other creative avenues. He developed a passion for writing, authoring several children’s books and a heartfelt memoir about his life with the Oak Ridge Boys.
This demonstrated his versatility and creativity beyond his musical career. He also occasionally performed solo concerts, showcasing his talents and further connecting with his fans on a personal level.
Joe Bonsall Death
He passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He succumbed to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
He was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, but he continued to perform with the Oak Ridge Boys until January 2024 when he announced his retirement from touring due to the progression of his condition.
His passing marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence were integral to the Oak Ridge Boys’ enduring success, captivating audiences worldwide with hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.”
How Much Was Joe Bonsall Net Worth?
Joe Bonsall net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be around $5 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career with the Oak Ridge Boys, their enduring popularity, and their extensive touring history.

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Joe Bonsall Sources of Income
These are his major sources of income
Source of Income | Description | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|---|
Music | Performances and album sales | $2 million annually |
Book Sales | Authoring several popular books | $500,000 annually |
Public Appearances | Speaking engagements, tours | $300,000 annually |
Merchandising | Band merchandise sales | $200,000 annually |
Joe Bonsall Personal Life
He enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities like fishing, boating, and spending time on his farm.
He also had a deep appreciation for reading and writing, which led to his successful career as an author. He was also an avid animal lover, frequently sharing his experiences with pets and wildlife. His appreciation for nature extends to outdoor activities like hiking.
These diverse interests provided a balance to his busy career and enriched his life beyond the stage.
Joe Bonsall Parents And Family
was born to Joseph Sloan Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Maude Collins. His family played a significant role in nurturing his love for music. His parents fostered his musical talents from an early age, providing him with the support and encouragement he needed to pursue his passion.
This family support undoubtedly played a crucial role in his journey to becoming a successful musician.
Joe Bonsall Wife
Joe Bonsall was married to Mary Ann Bonsall. They shared a loving partnership and together they raised two daughters. Bonsall cherished his family deeply and valued spending quality time with his wife and children.

While he maintained a busy touring schedule with the Oak Ridge Boys, he always prioritized his family life and cherished the time he spent with his loved ones.
Joe Bonsall Children
Joe Bonsall, a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, has one daughter named Lauren Bonsall. She is not as publicly known, and Bonsall has focused on his professional journey, which includes his time with The Oak Ridge Boys, their music, and their performances.
Joe Bonsall Height And Weight
Here is a table summarizing his physical appearance including height and weight.
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Weight | 175 lbs (79 kg) |
Hair Color | Brown (graying with age) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Build | Average, lean |
Complexion | Fair |
Joe Bonsall Social Media Links
Here is a table summarizing all of the social media accounts of Joe Bonsall.
Platform | Link |
---|---|
@joebonsall_oakridgeboys | |
@joebonsall_obb | |
Joe Bonsall – The Oak Ridge Boys | |
Official Website | Joe Bonsall Website |
Joe Bonsall Net Worth Compared to Gary Lewis Net Worth
Joe Bonsall, the tenor vocalist of the Oak Ridge Boys, amassed a significant net worth estimated at $5 million throughout his illustrious career. This wealth was primarily attributed to the group’s enduring success, including numerous hit songs, extensive touring, and merchandise sales.
Gary Lewis, the lead singer of Gary Lewis & The Playboys, reveals some interesting distinctions. Gary Lewis net worth is around $10 million, likely benefiting from the sustained popularity of his band’s hits and potential ventures beyond music.
Conclusion
Joe Bonsall’s life was a testament to his dedication to his craft and his passion for music. His remarkable career with the Oak Ridge Boys, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his talent as an author, contributed to his substantial net worth.
He will be remembered for his musical achievements and his kindness, humility, and positive impact on the lives of many.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Joe Bonsall?
Joe Bonsall, the renowned tenor vocalist of the Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76. He succumbed to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease.
When did Joe Bonsall find out he had ALS?
He publicly announced his retirement from touring with the Oak Ridge Boys in January 2024 due to the progression of his condition.
What was Joe Bonsall health issue?
Joe Bonsall was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing.
Who Was Joe Bonsall Married To?
Joe Bonsall was married to Mary Ann Bonsall.
Did Joe Bonsall Pass Away?
He died on July 9, 2024, at the age of 76, from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)