Home Free is sharing a lengthy tribute to the late Joe Bonsall, who passed away on July 9. The all-vocal group was fortunate enough to record “Elvira” with The Oak Ridge Boys, just part of an enduring friendship the two groups shared.
“We could call Joe Bonsall a Country Music legend, a Hall of Famer, an award-winning author, a poet, or a devoted husband and father. We were unbelievably fortunate to be able to call him a great friend,” Home Free wrote on social media, soon after the news of Bonsall’s passing was announced. “Our hearts are heavy this morning after learning that our brother in The Oak Ridge Boys moved on to the next life after a battle with ALS. From our first time meeting him, to recording a version of ‘Elvira’ with him, to performing on a number of stages together, Joe has been a tremendous inspiration to us.
“We feel incredibly blessed to have had our paths cross,” Home Free continued. “He was kind, funny and gracious, and more than generous with his time, energy and talents. He will be missed dearly. He [paid] forward his successes and we will continue to do the same in his honor. His legacy will live on in all of us and in the amazing music and friendships he’s left us with here on this Earth. Rest in peace, friend. Hi-yo Silver, away.”
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Bonsall announced in early 2024 that he was retiring from touring, while The Oak Ridge Boys were still on their final American Made: Farewell Tour, due to his deteriorating health. Home Free also honored Bonsall when the news of his departure from the group, after 50 years,, was announced.
“The Oak Ridge Boys are legends,” Home Free said as part of a lengthy post on social media, praising the Country Music Hall of Fame members. “Most folks know that. What they may not know is how generous they are with their time, talents and energy. And nobody has more energy than Joe Bonsall.”
While honoring Bonsall, Home Free reflected on his remarkable energy on stage, which was part of his iconic presence whenever The Oak Ridge Boys performed.
“Along the way, we were struck by a couple of things: how much fun they were still having and how much energy Joe had,” Home Free said. “Seemingly bottomless energy. If you’ve ever seen the Oak Ridge Boys live, then you know that there is not an inch of stage that Joe doesn’t cover, all while belting out tenor notes with an infectious smile on his face. And he was like that offstage as well. Now, consider that he’s been doing that for 50 years. And that’s just counting his time with the Oaks. Whew. When we heard that Joe was retiring from the road, it broke our hearts. Yet, it made sense. Joe’s body decided it was time. And that’s what it took because his spirit is indomitable. But if anyone has earned rest, it’s Joe Bonsall.
“Joe, thank you for the music,” they concluded. “Thank you for the smiles and laughter. Thank you for your time, energy, encouragement and brotherhood. You are one-of-kind, and you hold a special place in our hearts and history. We’re sending extra love to you, your family and your bandmates.”
Bonsall passed away from complications of ALS. The family has requested that donations be made in Bonsall’s honor to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center. Per Bonsall’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held.