The legendary Oak Ridge Boys were calling it a career after more than half a century of making music. The band announced their farewell tour which was to extend through 2025. Unfortunately, yesterday we learned that one of the its longest-lasting members would not be making the trip, and was retiring immediately.

Joe Bonsall, tenor singer for the band since 1973, announced on his socials yesterday that he was forced to retire early. “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying. There is a young man named Ben James singing for me out there, and he needs your love and encouragement … his sound is different than mine, but he brings a ton of talent to the table! The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”

As Bonsall mentioned, a singer named Ben James will be filling in as the Oak Ridge Boys wind down their amazing career. Who is Ben James? He was introduced to the band during a 2022 show in West Virginia and had the opportunity to sing Bonsall’s part. He has appeared intermittently in Bonsall’s stead as health issues arose over the last two years. While the farewell tour is still being fleshed out, you can see dates that have already been scheduled here.

Source: TasteOfCountry