Author, latest: On the Road with the Oak Ridge Boys. Other books: From My Perspective, GI Joe and Lillie, The Oak Ridge Boys: An American Journey, Christmas Miracles, An Inconvenient Christmas, The Molly Books
Tenor Singer for the Oak Ridge Boys
Latest gospel album, Rock of Ages (2015)
45 albums, 17 #1 Singles, Hits include Elvira, Bobbie Sue, and American Made
Over 30 Top Ten Hits
Have 12 gold, 3 platinum, and one each double platinum album and single – and one double platinum single
Earned Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards
Serve as spokesmen and/or board members for the Boy Scouts of America, Prevent Child Abuse America, Feed the Children, the National Anthem Project and many more
Married to Mary Ann Bonsall
They have two daughters, Jennifer and Sabrina, and two grandchildren, Breanne and Luke |
Guest Bio
Oak Ridge Boy Shares Stories from the Road
CBN.com
–A FLOURISHING WRITING CAREER
Aside from being a successful singer, Joseph (who also goes by Joe) is an accomplished writer. He has written ten books, including On the Road with the Oak Ridge Boys. From My Perspective shares his insights on life, family, God, patriotism, and more. The song and book G.I. Joe and Lillie are based on his parents' story and the sacrifices they made as a military service couple in the 1940s. Joe also says that The Oak Ridge Boys have always been aware that as a group they could affect people positively, negatively, or not at all. They've always wanted to be the group that touches people in a positive way. He continues by saying God's blessing in their lives is because they have put Him first in their lives.
ON THE ROAD WITH THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
“When the lights dim, and the theme music begins to play, and our band members begin to take up their positions, it’s just as exciting today as it has always been throughout our long history. We know that people have gathered to hear us sing our songs, and we never take one person in the audience for granted.” It’s moments like these Joe shares his new book, On The Road With The Oak Ridge Boys. The book gives an inside perspective inside the professional life of the Oak Ridge Boys. Although the book details history that dates back to the original Oak Ridge Quartet in the forties, the majority of the book focuses on group that people know today.
The book introduces readers to each member of the Oak Ridge Boys, and details memorable performances including those done for celebrities such as Garth Brooks and Kenny Rogers, and presidents form Gerald Ford to George W. Bush. Joe also devotes a section to answer FAQ’. The question that is the most difficult to answer is, “Q: When are the Oak Ridge Boys going to retire?” Joe admits the question is difficult to answer, and over the years he has given different answers to fans,“ We love what we do! Why would we stop living our dream? “We’ve never been able to plan how to stop doing this. We don’t even know how to slow down!” We’re singing our songs, doing what we love to earn a living. Why should we stop?” However he says the bottom line is, God will tell them when to stop. Joe says, “He is the one who holds the compass, and He is the one who directs our future and yours with His strong hand. So the answer to the big question begins and ends with God. And that’s a fact.”
Joe describes the book by saying, “Anecdotes, humor and plenty of inspiration all revolving around The Road, The Tour, The Music, The Tour Bus and the four unique and distinct personalities that make up The Oak Ridge Boys. For fans of The Boys as well as fans of music in general there is something here for everyone.”
MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC WITH THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
Joe has been singing with The Oak Ridge Boys for almost 42 years. Joe was 25 years old I when he joined the group in October 1973. He’s the onstage spokesman for the group, handles many press interviews, and his lead voice can be heard on 50 different songs over these many decades, with several of them being monster hit records. He and his partners, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, have become part of music folklore, selling over 41 million albums and selling out concerts every year from coast to coast.
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS AT 40 YEARS.
The Oak Ridge Boys are one of the longest-running groups in country music history. They still perform nearly 150 shows annually, release new music, and their fan base continues to grow. At the beginning of 2013, they kicked off their 40th Anniversary Tour.
Their faith, charity, and distinctive four-part harmony are what have kept them going strong for all of these years. This current line-up of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban began in 1973. Though there have been other group members that have come and gone this line up has endured. “The Oaks” say it's not just musical harmony that has kept them together, they live in harmony. Duane says even though they sing in harmony, it is better to live in harmony. They have learned to appreciate and respect what each person brings to the group. Faith and music keeps them together. It is like a marriage. They have learned to focus on the good things. Duane continues, “We always look for songs that have lasting value and that are uplifting.”
Members of the group are also fans. Richard says, “I was a fan of The Oaks before I became a member. I’m still a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.” Duane says, “This is the only job I’ve ever wanted to have.” When he goes on stage, he gets the same feeling he had the first time he sang with The Oak Ridge Boys.
SOME OAK RIDGE BOYS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Originally, the group was founded in the 1940s and was called the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s. In the early 1960s, their name was officially changed to the Oak Ridge Boys and they continued to be a gospel-oriented group. In 1973, they changed their image and concentrated on country music. In 1977, The Oak Ridge Boys won their first major music award, Best Vocal Group from the Academy of Country Music. They started the 80s with their top single “Elvira,” which hit the top of the Country and Pop charts. It won a CMA award for Single of the Year; a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance by a Country Group or Duo; Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year and sold almost 3 million singles. In 2000, The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Career highlights include singing back-up for Paul Simon’s hit“Slip Sliding Away” and recording with Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Shooter Jennings, George Jones, Roy Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Monroe, and more. They have appeared before all of the U.S. presidents from President Jimmy Carter through President George W. Bush.
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