Oak Ridge Boys Singer Joe Bansall Retires After 50 Years Due To Neuromuscular Disorder

deadline.com:

After a half-decade as an Oak Ridge Boy, singer Joe Bonsall has announced his retirement more than four years after being diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder.

The announcement, made during a concert Saturday in Greenville, MS, comes amid increased speculation about Bonsall among fans of the country music group.

During the show at Harlow’s Casino Resort, Bonsall officially handed over the mic to his touring replacement, singer Ben James.

Since 1973, Bonsall’s tenor vocals and high harmonies have been an integral part of the Oak Ridge Boys sound, including on such crossover hits as “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue.” In a statement, Bonsall said: “Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder.