The Oak Ridge Boys‘ tenor singer Joe Bonsall has announced his retirement from touring.
Bonsall, who joined the country/gospel vocal quartet in 1973, has been a part of the half-a-century-old lineup that also consisted of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban.
The 75-year-old musician, who has been struggling with a neuromuscular disorder for more than four years, attributed his decision to health issues.
“I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult,” Bonsall said in a post on social media. “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.”
He added, “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”.
Bonsall concluded the post by introducing his touring replacement in The Oak Ridge Boys; Ben James, 27.
“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!” Bonsall said. “The oakridgeboys will finish the Farewell Tour without me but rest assured I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”
Bonsall’s final show for The Oak Ridge Boys took place on December 17.
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