Sugarland

This Date in Country Music History

• 2017 – Chris Stapleton scored a #1 album with From a Room:  Volume 2
• 2014 – Martina McBride signed a recording deal with Nash Icon
• 2013 – A capella group Home Free won the TV show “The Sing-Off”
• 2006 – Sugarland scored a #1 hit with “Want To”
• 1967 – Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry
• 1950 – Lefty Frizzell‘s scored a #1 hit with his debut single “If You’ve Got The Money, I’ve Got The Time”

This Date in Country Music History

• 2021 – Aaron Lewis scored a #1 single on Billboard’s Singles Chart with “Am I The Only One”
• 2020 – HCM Daily News – July 17th, 2020
• 2020 – The Chicks released their album Gaslighter
• 2019 – Maren Morris’ album Hero was certified Platinum
• 2019 – Jimmie Allen’s single “Best Shot” was certified Platinum
• 2017 – Luke Bryan’s album Kill the Lights was certified Double Platinum
• 2015 – Home Free made their Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2012 – Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2006 – Kellie Pickler signed her first recording contract with BNA Records
• 2004 – Tim McGraw topped the charts for the first of 7 weeks with his smash “Live Like You Were Dying”
• 1999 – Lonestar began an 8-week run atop the charts with their smash “Amazed”
• 1993 – Alan Jackson began a 4-week run atop the charts with “Chattahoochee”
• 1989 – George Strait released his single “Ace In The Hole”

HCM Content

• 2024 – HCM Daily Country Music News – July 17th, 2024
• 2015 – Country Music Videos – Friday, July 17th, 2015
• 2015 – HCM Daily Country Music News Update – Friday, July 17th, 2015
• Today’s Birthdays – July 17th

Today’s Photo Flashback

• Jason Aldean – 7/17/11 – Kiss Country Undercover Concert at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood

Joe Bonsall – photo by Jon Mir

Joseph S. Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He leaves behind his precious wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.

As a 50-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

Joseph is also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which releases in November. Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.

At the request of Joe, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

The family is requesting privacy.

Here are some remembrances from his peers:

• Aaron Tippin – Joe Bonsall was one of the biggest influences on me as an entertainer. When I put my show together I wanted it to be as crazy as Hank Jr., as theatrical as Reba and as energetic as Joe. He was an amazing performer but more importantly, an amazing man. He’ll be greatly missed. Our family sends love and prayers to his.
• Bellamy Brothers – Heartbreaking to hear the news about Joe Bonsall passing. Joey was a true road brother and a great friend for many years. Deepest Condolences to his family and to all the @oakridgeboys organization and his many fans.
• Ben James (Oak Ridge Boys) – Joe was a true hero to me. His singing is something that I have admired since I was a kid. Nobody could do it like Joe could do it. He was such an encouragement to me. I feel honored that he chose me to sing the tenor line when he decided to come off the road. I try my best for Joe and the Boys every night but only Joe can fill that spot. The legacy he leaves with us is something that is irreplaceable. I am forever thankful I got to know and love one of my all-time heroes that was nothing but good to me. I will miss Joe Bonsall. Thank you for loving everyone you met and making them feel like the most important person in your life when you spoke to them. A true gentleman.
• Big Kenny Alphin (Big & Rich) – Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of our friend @joebonsall today. We will all sure miss his big smile and contagious joy. That amazing voice and spirit he shared with the world will now be front and center of a heavenly choir. Prayers go out to his family and @oakridgeboys brothers. #RIPjoebonsall
• Bill Anderson – Along with the rest of the world I was saddened this morning to learn of the passing of the multi-talented Joe Bonsall. Joe was a great singer, the consummate performer, and a dear friend. We not only had country music in common, but he loved baseball just as much as I do, and we had many friendly discussions as to which was the better team…his Philadelphia Phillies or my Atlanta Braves. I won’t say any money ever changed hands, but I won’t deny it either. I will think of Joe and miss him with every high note I hear sung and every crack of the bat that echoes across the summer skies. Rest in peace, my friend. You were truly one-of-a-kind.
• Billie Jo Jones – Joe Bonsall was an icon. Country music was heavily influenced by his music and voice. As heaven has gained another sweet man, he will be sorely missed.
• Billy Dean – The Oak Ridge Boys’ camp has suffered two losses with the passing of my friend Rusty Golden, son of William Lee Golden and Oak Ridge Boy tenor, Joe Bonsall. Their music is their testimony to a life of service, to God our creator, where they both dwell in harmony in heaven this day.
• Billy Ray Cyrus – He was amazing talent ….friend ….and legend. The world of country music lost a great talent ….but the angels in heaven gained an incredible voice.
• Blake Shelton – I’m heartbroken to hear of my friend Joe Bonsalls passing. I’ve NEVER seen Joe when he wasn’t smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his @oakridgeboys brothers. We all lost a special person today.
• Brady Seals – As a member of Little Texas, I was always inspired by the harmonies of The Oaks. My heart goes out to Joe’s family. God bless him; he will be greatly missed.
• Chad Sitze (Flat River Band) – The brothers and I have always loved listening to the harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys! Joe Bonsall will be missed! He’s definitely singing with the angels today!
• Collin Raye – I woke up today to the very sad news of Joe Bonsall’s passing. Even though I’d been somewhat expecting it, I still was hopeful something would improve to keep him going. The Lord has taken him Home. He was always SO kind and supportive to me. Always making comments in public of what he thought of me with that big room-filling personality. I’ll always be grateful to him for that support. I will miss his energy, his kindness and his spirit. This is a sad day for our industry and for The Mighty Oak Ridge Boys. Joe, I know you are with our Lord now. We’ll sure miss you here.
• Crystal Gayle – I have known, worked with, and loved Joe Bonsall and the Oaks for almost 50 years. It’s so hard to say goodbye to old friends, especially a true road warrior like Joe.
• Dallas Wayne – Joe was one of the most gracious, warm people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I so admired his talent as a vocalist and author (11 books in all), and even his banjo playing was a joy. Our deepest condolences go out to Mary Ann and their girls. Rest well…
• Dan Rogers (SVP/EP of the Grand Ole Opry) – Every single one of us at the Grand Ole Opry absolutely loved Joe Bonsall. The fans in the seats marveling at his on-stage energy. —Those tuned in around the world listening to his unmatched vocals as part of his beloved Oak Ridge Boys. —And all of us backstage laughing out loud at his antics and counting our lucky stars to have been in the orbit of such a loving, talented, wonderful human being. Safe travels, buddy. You are so loved.
• Darin & Brooke Aldridge – He had a voice that lifted straight to Heaven, with a heart and faith to match. We are heartbroken today to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall. For us, Joe was one of those people we felt we’d known for a lifetime from the first time we met him. He was a friend who always welcomed us with open arms, a smile and an encouraging word. He always cheered us on and was excited about our music, for which we are forever grateful. We were blessed to get to know him even better when we recorded “He’s Getting Me Ready” with The Oaks, a gospel song that reached to the foundation of faith in who Joe was. We know he was ready for his journey to his heavenly home, and we look forward to seeing him again one day.
• David Frizzell – I am so saddened by today’s news of losing Joe. We go back to the early 80s. We were all nominated for a Grammy, and The Oaks beat us out! We didn’t get to see each other enough. Say hello to Heaven, Joe Bonsall, and prayers to his family!!!
• Deborah Allen – Joe Bonsall was one of a kind! He was an amazing person and wonderful friend! I always loved the soul and joy in his incredible voice! As an entertainer his presence was electric and lit up the stage! I especially loved his tender heart for his family and friends, including Barney, his cat. My heart is with his beautiful, beloved wife Mary and his family at this time of deep loss. We will all love you and miss you forever, Joe.
• Dennis Quaid – The world has lost a familiar and beloved voice. Heaven welcomes another tenor to the Choir. See you there, Joe.
• Don McLean – Musicians like Joe Bonsall are not able to be replaced because gospel harmony is quite an art form. Unlike 3-part harmony or 4-part harmony is a whole different kind of mathematics. Joe was a true pioneer and original.
• Doug Gray (Marshall Tucker Band) – In this wonderful world, we are given the beginning, many friends, a blessing, and the end. God Bless Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys and family.
• Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) – When I look at Joe Bonsall’s life, I see a life fulfilled. The son of two military veterans, raised to become street-smart in the hood-influenced neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents taught him that he could be anything he wished to be if he worked hard, told the truth, and trusted in God. Joe could do anything he set his mind to do, but what impressed me the most was the energy, love, and compassion he put into everything he did and his unique gift to communicate those emotions and feelings into every performance, song, and book. Joe was “that” best friend that every person hopes to have in his life.
• Due West – We are saddened by the passing of one of the great voices of a generation. Joe and the rest of The Oaks paved the way for harmony groups like us and did so with a great amount of class. Our hearts go out to his family both on the road and at home. Thanks for the music, Joe Bonsall!
• Gene Watson – So very sorry to learn that our dear friend Joe Bonsall of the The Oak Ridge Boys has passed. What a great man and great artist he was. Prayers to his family, friends and to his Oak Ridge Boys family.
• Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band) – I grew up listening to The Oak Ridge Boys. They were a gospel group at the time I grew up and my grandmother loved them and our other family members who also had gospel groups were influenced by them. Their harmonies have always been rich and pleasing to the ears. You could hear each individual voice through the iconic blend of their voices. There was and is something very special in their sound. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Bonsall. He is singing with the angels and will be truly missed.
• Heath Wright (Ricochet) – The Heavenly choir gained another great tenor voice today. Joe had such an infectious energy both on and off stage. And the few times I got to be around him, he always had that wonderful smile and a good word to share. A true gentleman… He will be missed!
• Henry Paul (BlackHawk) – Joe Bonsall was one of the charming musical personalities that made The Oak Ridge Boys so incredibly popular. Joe’s youthful spirit drove their on-stage appeal. Joe’s passing is a real shock and totally unexpected. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
• Home Free – 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. Our hearts are heavy this morning after learning that our brother in @oakridgeboys 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. He was kind, funny, and gracious and more than generous with his time, energy and talents. He will be missed dearly. He payed 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  ALS is a horrible disease and there’s not nearly enough funding for research. In lieu of any flowers, his family asked that donations be made to The ALS Association to the Vanderbilt ALS Research group. We’ll include some links to both below.
• Janie Fricke – The concerts I worked with The Oak Ridge Boys were amazing, as I heard their great blend of 4 voices – Joe had a unique sound and talent that is timeless and Universally appreciated, may God rest his soul.
• Jason Eady – I’m very sad to hear of the passing of Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys. One of my favorite stories of my entire career is about Joe. I was standing side stage at the Grand Ol’ Opry in 2022 getting ready to make my debut. I hadn’t been nervous until I walked to the side of the stage. Connie Smith was playing and I was up next. Courtney and I were just standing there taking it all in and I could start to feel the nerves creeping in. Not too bad but I could tell it was coming. Then I heard a voice over my shoulder say “Jason Eady?”. I turned around and it was Joe. He told me how he had all of my records and how much he loved my music, which absolutely blew me away. We immediately started talking and talked for the next 5 minutes straight. The next thing I knew the stage director motioned that they were about to introduce me. I had completely lost track of time or the fact that I was about to go on, I was so into that conversation. I felt completely relaxed and ready to go on. Not only had he distracted me from my nerves but he also gave me the confidence and validation that I needed at that exact moment. Then as I’m out there I look over and all of the Oak Ridge Boys are standing on the side of the stage watching the show. I got to tell the story on the Grand Ol’ Opry stage about how the Oak Ridge Boys were the first concert I ever went to, back in 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi. It really doesn’t get any more full circle than that.  I grew up listening to Joe’s voice and I’ll never forget that moment. One of the coolest 5 minutes of my life. Thanks Joe! You are a legend.
• JD Shelburne – I just got word that my friend & mentor @joebonsall of the @oakridgeboys has passed. I am at a loss. We had just texted on Tues. I always made sure we talked every single week. He did so much for me & my career. Say some prayers for his family, I am heartbroken.
• Jeannie Seely – This is not just another devastating loss to our business, this is a limb gone from the MIGHTY OAKS. There has never been a group like them. They have been a part of our lives in so many ways, sharing not only their music but their personal lives and families. Joe was a major part of that strength. His personality and smile reached out and grabbed you as much as that unmistakable voice. Somehow I believe those are etched in our memories, never to be forgotten.
• Jim Halsey (Manager of The Oak Ridge Boys) – God love you, Joe Bonsall. You have been an inspiration to fans, friends, and family, especially to me for 52 years. This is a very rough day.
• John Anderson – I was sad to hear about Joe today. He was such a great singer and entertainer, but above that, he was a wonderful person! I shall always treasure the great laughs we had and his words of encouragement to me very early in my career. Jamie and I send love and prayers to his family and friends during this time. We love you, Joe!”
• John Berry – My heart is heavy with the news that we lost Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys. He had a kindness that always made you feel welcome! My heart goes out to his family and the boys in the band, they have endured much loss in a short time. But, as we mourn the loss, we can find joy knowing that Joe is in the presence of our loving savior, Jesus Christ.
• John Ford Coley – Losing someone like Joe Bonsall just breaks my heart. He was such a pillar in country music. They broke the mold when he was made. This is such a loss for our community. My prayers are with his family and the mighty Oak Ridge Boys during this difficult time.
• John McEuen – Joe Bonsall and I have crossed paths many times through our careers in music and each time, we picked up right where we left off. Many of us are in our “golden” years now and these times are always particularly difficult. I am thankful for his friendship, the songs he leaves behind, and comfort in the fact that his body isn’t suffering anymore. RIP Joe Bonsall.
• John Rich (Big & Rich) – We lost the great Joe Bonsall of the @oakridgeboys and country music is crying today. Joe was a real friend, and someone I looked up to not only as an artist, but as a man. He’s left a legacy of incredible music, and endless accounts of his kind heartedness.  #RIPJoeBonsall
• Johnny Lee – Joe has been a great friend through the years, and this one hits hard. Prayers for his family, The Oak Ridge Boys, the band, and his fans all over the world.
• Kody Norris – The Oak Ridge Boys are the epitome of a class act. We worked a show a few years back in Laughlin, Nevada, and the Oaks were playing at Don Laughlin’s Casino the same week. We got a chance to meet them after the show, and I’ll never forget how kind they were to us. Joe and I talked banjos for half an hour. Such a down-to-earth, kind-hearted gentleman, and I’ll always count it a privilege that I got to meet the man and get acquainted with him. Rest easy, Mr. Joe.
• Kyle Young (CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame) – For fifty years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He lightened our cares every time he sang.
• Lacy J. Dalton – The Oak Ridge Boys was the first band I ever toured with. They were so good to me, and Joe was always really friendly and kind. You never forget someone who was that good to you on your first tour – they taught me a lot. Nothing but good memories.
• Larry Gatlin – I wrote a song for Joe a while back that he wanted to record. Here’s the first verse:
  I did my share of bus drivin…
  Loadin and unloadin
  When there was work to be done never once did I run and hide
  I sang every song from my heart
  Never once phoned in my part
  I was not just along for the ride
  SWEET JESUS knows
  I was not just along for the ride..
• Larry Stewart (Restless Heart/The Frontmen) – My heart is broken. I’ve known Joe since I was a teenager. The Oak Ridge Boys were friends of my dad. Joe has been a baseball buddy, and we just talked about life and sports. Rest in peace brother BanJoey! You will be missed.
• Lee Greenwood – I’m saddened by the loss of my friend of close to 50 years, Joe Bonsall. For so many years he was the high voice with The Oak Ridge Boys who I toured with almost every year of my career. Joe and I would have conversations on the road sometimes before a concert and sometimes afterwards about the crowd, the music and who we are as Americans. My family sends prayers to the Bonsall Family and The Oak Ridge Boys. We will miss you, Joe!
• Lisa Matassa – Words alone cannot describe what an incredible man Joe Bonsall was. He was always so kind and brought a smile to everyone he met. His passing leaves a huge void for everyone who has ever met him or heard him sing. Heaven has a new angel, and I will miss him terribly. Rest in peace, sweet Joe, until we meet again, my friend.
• Lulu Roman – When I think of Joe, I see his smile that would brighten any room. He is dancing on the streets of gold today as he always did on stage here. You left this world with wonderful memories and music that will never die. Love you, Joe.
• Maggie McClure & Shane Henry (The Imaginaries) – We’re saddened by the news of Joe Bonsall’s passing. What an amazing talent and an incredible career spanning 50+ years. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Oak Ridge Boys team.
• Makenzie Phipps – Joe was an extraordinary entertainer. His magnificent tenor part with the Oak Ridge Boys will greatly be missed. Fly high, sir, fly high.
• Marty Raybon – Our condolences to Mary and the Bonsall family. It’s truly hard to see someone so energetic and so full of life as Joe was to leave here. He was a showman, and he was a friend to many. He was a Country Music Hall of Famer, but the best thing he would say of himself was he was a saved man and a loving husband. Nuff said.
• Michelle Wright – You were such a kind, talented soul. I always loved running into you on the road and seeing your smile. Thank you for all the years of music and fun. May you Rest In Peace Joe.
• Mickey Bell – From his early days in southern gospel music to his successful career in country, Joe was an encourager to other artists and always celebrated the wins of others. We didn’t just lose a great entertainer… we lost one of our highest cheerleaders.
• Moe Bandy – Joe Bonsall was a true friend who sang on several of my records. What a great talent who entertained so many people with his great voice and showmanship. I am so saddened. We will miss him so much.
• Nancy Jones – Sad day for me. The Oaks were family to George and I. So sad another family member is gone.
• Paige King Johnson – It hurts my heart to hear of Joe’s passing. He has been an instrumental voice in the Oak Ridge Boys for many years & had an undeniable presence in everything he touched. He will truly be missed by all music lovers! My thoughts & prayers go out to his friends and family during this time.
• Phil Vassar – Joe was such a nice guy. I love the Oak Ridge Boys, and Joe was so friendly whenever we performed together. He always had a smile on his face. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
• Ray Stevens – We lost an Oak Ridge Boy but the Heavenly Choir just got a fine new Tenor. Rest in Peace Joe Bonsall.
• Rhonda Vincent – A kind talented man I feel so lucky to have known. He will be so very missed. We send our love and prayers to his immediate family, and also to the millions of people around the world who loved him. Rest in Sweet Peace, Dear Friend.
• Richard Sterben (Oak Ridge Boys) – For many years, Joe was my best friend. We knew each other long before we both became members of The Oak Ridge Boys. He was a special person, who was loved by everyone and was a true inspiration to us all. He was also the best singing partner a person could have. For several years he bravely fought a terrible disease and was a trooper right up until the very end. There is no doubt that today, he is in a much better place – at HOME with Jesus. I will see you soon my dear friend.
• Richard Young (Kentucky Headhunters) – You know, The Kentucky Headhunters had two basket lists of acts we would love to play with. One was the Rolling Stones and the other was The Oak Ridge Boys. Both are the reason several types of music lives and breathes. Joe was the Mick Jagger of country and soulful gospel music and helped bring country to a new horizon with The Oaks. God Bless.
• Rick Monroe – Wow, this is heartbreaking and adds to an already tough week for the @theoakridgeboys family. Joe Bonsall was such a talented, kind & humble man. Always approachable with a big smile & a kind word. This is a huge loss. #RIP @joebonsall
• Ricky Skaggs – I’ve known that this day would be coming sooner than later. The Oaks have had their share of sorrows and pain the last few months with the passing of Dwayne’s precious wife Nora Lee, Bill’s recent loss of his son Rusty, and now the passing of our dear friend Joe. It’s been a lot for all of them to deal with. My prayer is that we as a music community and fellow believers in Jesus would pray for and reach out to the Oaks. The winds of change have blown really hard against them, but I know too that they are men of faith and they will get through this. ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7-8, NKJV.)
• Rudy Gatlin – My heart is aching from hearing the news of the passing of my buddy Joe Bonsall. Or ‘Brother Bonsall’ as I liked to call him! He was a friend for 50 years, ever since he joined the Oak Ridge Boys, and friends of ours for 60 years! He was an amazing guy, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a great friend to so many! When he got a little sick in July 2022, I filled in for him a few times at the Oaks’ shows. And believe me, it wasn’t easy! I had to sing my ever-lovin’ butt off! His love of singing and entertaining with the Boys is legendary! Seriously, I don’t know anyone who enjoyed singing more than Joe Bonsall! I thought about Joe just last week. I was gonna call just to check up on him, to see how he’s doing and dang, but something came up and I didn’t get around to it. Well Joe, if you can hear me now, I love ya, gonna miss ya and can’t wait to see you on the other side!
• Sam Moore (Sam & Dave) – I’m so terribly saddened and sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. All I can say is from one tenor to another, keep singing in heaven, Joe, that voice of yours, the spirit for the Lord.
• Sammy Kershaw – It’s been a terrible week for The Oaks. Ever since I met Joe he has been very, very kind to me. God bless him and rest in peace.
• Sarah Traharn (CMA CEO) – When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in Country Music history, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly. His commitment to serving others while developing Country Music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has been made better because of him. Today, we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him.
• Storme Warren – Sad day. We lost Joe Bonsall. Rest in peace my friend. So many fantastic memories.
• T. Graham Brown – We just lost one of the world’s greatest human beings. Joe was like a brother and made me a better man. I, so, loved him and he loved Jesus with all of his heart. He was a sweetheart and every room brightened when he walked in. Sheila and I will miss him, terribly. Rest in peace.
• T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang – Losing a long-time friend in our business is like losing a member of your family. Joe was just that to Kelly and me. From the memories we made with him in the recording studio to working the road and doing television shows together, we will treasure them forever. We were so grateful to have him join us on our wedding day. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family, The Oak Ridge Boys, and his fans. Until we meet again, dear friend.
• Taylor Hicks – Those stand out tenor vocals from Joe and the blend he created with the Oak Ridge Boys will never be matched.
• Terri Clark – So saddened by the news of the passing of Joe Bonsall …he was such gentleman and truly one of the kindest and most hard working men in music. His heart and energy will be dearly missed. Sending love and prayers to friends and family
• Terry McBride (McBride & The Ride) – Joe Bonsall helped define harmonies like no other. His contribution to The Oak Ridge Boys solidified his place in country music. Thank you for the music and memories, Joe!
• Tim Atwood – My heart is breaking. BREAKING! Joe Bonsall’s talent was beyond compare, matched only by his kindness, compassion, humor, and love. He loved his family–which after 50 years included The Oak Ridge Boys family. He loved his friends, his fans, and my goodness, he loved his country. He was a patriot.  He performed before Presidents and Kings, but he made me feel like royalty every time I was fortunate to perform alongside him. We even shot a television pilot together where I was Joe’s sidekick. What an honor. I loved Joe since the first time I heard him sing with the Keystones. I am praying for all of us who loved this wonderful man especially his wife and children, Duane, William Lee, and Richard. No doubt there’s a new tenor in Heaven’s choir today.
• Trace Adkins – Joe Bonsall was one of the kindest people I ever met. He was a rock star, and he was a wonderful human being. RIP Joe.
• Travis Tritt – This was one of the last performances that ⁦@joebonsall did with ⁦@oakridgeboys before leaving the group due to health issues. I cannot express the gratitude I feel that I had a chance to sing good gospel music with these legendary performers.
• Trey Calloway – I am truly brokenhearted to hear about the passing of Joe Bonsall. His amazing voice and stage presence were key ingredients in making the Oak Ridge Boys a cornerstone of our beloved genre. He will be missed and forever cherished. Rest in peace, legend.
• Will Wesley – Growing up, the Oak Ridge Boys were always playing in our home. Today, we’ve lost a true country music icon. The world will never be the same without Joe Bonsall, but we will also have those amazing songs. He was a true gift.
• William Lee Golden (Oak Ridge Boys) – This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son, Rusty Golden, and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years, Joe Bonsall. Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family.

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• Hunter Hayes Announces The Red Sky Tour
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This Date in Country Music History

• 2022 – HCM Daily News – April 21st, 2022
• 2020 – HCM Daily News – April 21st, 2020
• 2017 – Brad Paisley released his album Love and War
• 2017 – Cody Johnson made his Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2015 – This Week’s New Music – April 21st, 2015
• 2014 – Dierks Bentley released his single “Drunk on a Plane”
• 2012 – Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry
• 2008 – Alan Jackson released his single “Good Time”
• 2007 – Carrie Underwood topped the charts with “Wasted”
• 2003 – Rushlow released their single “I Can’t Be Your Friend”
• 2003 – Billy Currington‘s debut single “Walk a Little Straighter” was released
• 2001 – John Michael Montgomery made his Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2000 – Craig Morgan made his Grand Ole Opry debut
• 1998 – Faith Hill released her album Faith
• 1998 – George Strait released his album One Step At A Time
• 1998 – Steve Wariner released his album Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down
• 1998 – Randy Travis released his album You and You Alone

Today’s Birthdays

• None Today

Today’s New Albums

• Alexis Wilkins – Grit
• Alice Howe – Circumstance
• Bonner Rhae – Forward Address
• Brantley Gilbert – So Help Me God (Deluxe)
• Joey Frendo – Bound for Heartache
• Lauren Watkins – Lauren Watkins
• Morgan Evans – Life Upside Down (EP)
• Southerland – Southerland (EP)
• Tenille Townes – Train Track Worktapes

Today’s New Singles

• A Little More – Dayne Pack
• Ain’t No Cowboy – Jon Langston
• Back to Texas – Jeff Canada
• Blacktop Don’t – Boomtown Saints
• Bourbon – Nicole Witt
• Cowboy Sitting at the Bar – Cody Pennington
• Dancin’ in the Country – Tyler Hubbard & Keith Urban
• Death Before Pop Country – Brandon Bethel
• Don’t Hold Back – Sam Paige
• Girl, I Know a Guy – Alex Miller
• God Made a Good Ol’ Boy – Riley Green
• Great Minds Drink Alike – The Lacs w/ Craig Campbell
• Gypsy Girl – Michelle Kay
• Horizon – Aaron McDonnell
• How I Live My Life – Rob Wolf
• If You Want the Rainbow – Marcy Grace
• It’s Still January – William Beckmann
• Last Man in Tennessee – Track45
• Let It Burn – Jana Kramer
• One of Them Days – Jay L. Smith
• Raised Up Right – Riley Green
• Reason to Cry – Brenda Cay
• Stranger Things – Tragicomics
• Sway – Will Carter Band
• Texas For Me – Jacob Armitage
• That’s Why We Fight – Ella Langley w/ Koe Wetzel
• The Day – Taylon Hope
• Too Soon – Cate Gartner
• West Coast Tennessee – Joe Eskridge

Today’s Photo Flashback

• Ronnie Dunn – 4/21/12 – Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL

This Week’s Notable Events

• Country On The Coast – Southsea, UK – Apr 21, 2023 – All Day
• Brantley Gilbert Album Release Party & Trail Ride – Huntsville, TN – Apr 22, 2023 – All Day
• Country On The Coast – Southsea, UK – Apr 22, 2023 – All Day
• Runaway June – Nashville, TN – Apr 22, 2023 – 10:30 am
• Country On The Coast – Southsea, UK – Apr 23, 2023 – All Day

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Jeff Cook, founding member and legendary guitarist of the supergroup ALABAMA, has died. Cook, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame,  Musicians Hall of Fame, Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year, passed away peacefully yesterday, November 7, with his family and close friends by his side at his beach home in Destin, Florida. He was 73. The multi-award winning guitarist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. Cook was a champion in all he attempted and he courageously faced his battle with a positive attitude.

Jeffrey Alan Cook was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on August 27, 1949. He began playing lead guitar and keyboards in bands at the age of 13. Securing a broadcast license only three days after his 14th birthday, Cook went to work as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. The broadcast bug had entered his blood and later resulted in him owning radio and TV stations. After graduating from Fort Payne High School, Cook received a degree in Electronic Technology from Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama and was named “Outstanding Alumni” by the American Association of Community Colleges. Cook loved that radio combined two of his favorite things, music and electronics.

One of Cook’s lifelong dreams came true with the construction of Cook Sound Studios and his home, “Cook Castle,” based in Fort Payne. The studio was a way for him to help musicians share their music with others. Outside of music, one of his favorite hobbies was bass fishing. He was proud to be an official “Fishing Ambassador” to the state of Alabama, as proclaimed by five Governors.

Cook is credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music. He was also an accomplished musician with the ability to play piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin and anything else thrown in front of him.