Joe Bonsall Net Worth: Half a Century of Performing – Joe Bonsall’s Net Worth Uncovered
Fans of The Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall were left stunned last year after the news of the vocalist’s passing made headlines. The country music icon passed at 76, leaving behind an unforgettable 50-year career.
Five decades is a long time for any artist. And Joe Bonsall, as the heart of the band that he was, certainly made a fortune from their record-breaking run, right?
If you’re curious to know, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Joe Bonsall’s net worth. Let’s explore the financial side of being a Grammy-winning vocalist.
Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Joe Bonsall passed away at the age of 76
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What Was Joe Bonsall’s Net Worth?
As a key member of a band that has won countless prestigious awards since its inception, it’s rather unsurprising to know that Joe Bonsall stashed away a substantial fortune.
According to recent estimates, Joe Bonsall’s net worth was $4 million at the time of his death. His primary source of income was his extensive music career, including royalties from the various books he wrote.
Decades of Music Royalties
Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr., otherwise known by his stage name, Joe Bonsall, was a true country legend. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bonsall developed a profound love for making music as a kid.
Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys as the foursome’s tenor vocalist at 25 and didn’t stop performing until 2024, when the singer retired from the band due to deteriorating health.
“I am now to a point that walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road,” the singer wrote on X. “It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all The Oak Ridge Boys.”
My personal statement …
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years…
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) January 3, 2024
According to AARP, Bonsall and his group of vocal icons sold over 41 million record copies worldwide, which massively contributed to Bonsall’s wealth.
He also certainly received royalties whenever their songs were played in the media. Songs like “Elvira” (1981), “Bobbie Sue” (1982), and “American Made” (1983) were particularly fan-favorite tunes.
Record-Breaking Sales and Performances
The Oak Ridge Boys were initially a gospel quartet that produced primarily Christian gospel music. And they were making money, and even won Grammy Awards for “Best Gospel Performance.”
However, in the mid-70s, Bonsall and his ragtag band of legendary artists decided to switch up their sound from gospel to country music. Their bold move paid off (literally), earning the boys A-list headliner status.
The renewed country band released an astonishing 31 studio albums, most of which received critical and commercial acclaim. More than a dozen of their singles have also been charted number one.
One of their highest-charting albums was Fancy Free, released in 1981, which sold over 2.1 million copies worldwide. The record received the RIAA Platinum Award twice and became the band’s first Billboard Top Country Albums topper.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ crossover hit, “Elvira,” also came from Fancy Free, a song they would later reveal to be about a street in East Nashville.
At the peak of their fame, Bonsall and his three harmonious bandmates have orchestrated numerous tours and 11 concerts. And that’s not mentioning the scores of guestings and TV appearances.
To date, the country icon band has garnered a total of five platinum awards and 12 gold albums. In 2015, the foursome was finally inducted into the Country Hall of Fame.
Oak Ridge Boys collaborated to plan numerous tours and 11 concerts, and in 2015, this four member band was finally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
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Written Works
The Oak Ridge Boys alum’s talent extends beyond his musicality. Bonsall was a prolific writer who authored 11 books in his lifetime.
He penned his first book, The Molly Books, in 1997, a four-installment children’s literature about his cat, Molly. The vocalist then followed with G.I. Joe and Lillie (2003), an inspirational retelling of his beloved parents’ lives.
Bonsall also wrote commentaries about his life, Christmas tales, and journey with The Oak Ridge Boys.
Joe Bonsall’s first work, “The Molly Books,” is a four part children’s literature series about his cat Molly; Afterwards, the singer created “Gi Joe and Lillie” (2003), which was an inspirational retelling of the life of his beloved parents
Image source: Google
Final Thoughts
“We don’t even know how to slow down,” Bonsall once told the Billboard Country Update. And it seems his words stood true, as the remaining Oak Ridge boys continue to rock the stage. A net worth of $4 million is impressive, but the mark the country legend left behind will always be greater.
Featured image source: Google