Joe Bonsall. Photo: Daniel Tommasino

Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of the Country Music Hall of Fame group The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday (July 9) from complications with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 76.

Since the news of his passing, legions of artists, music business executives and Music Row community members have shared memories of Bonsall. Most shared memories of his kindness, vitality and his smile.

See some of those messages below. Click here to read Bonsall’s full obituary.

“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.” – Duane Allen of The 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.” – William Lee Golden of The 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 Sterban of The 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.” – Ben James 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.” Jim Halsey, Manager of The Oak Ridge Boys

“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug. He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang.” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“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.” – Bill Anderson

“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.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

“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.” – Dan Rogers, Senior VP/Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry

“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 Anderson

“We lost an Oak Ridge Boy, but the Heavenly Choir just got a fine new tenor. Rest in peace Joe Bonsall.” -Ray Stevens

“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 Gatlin

“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.” -Marty Raybon, Shenandoah

“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.” -Jeannie Seely

“My heart is broken. I’ve known Joe Bonsall since I was a teenager. The Oak Ridge Boys were friends of my dad, and I learned how to sing harmony listening to ORB albums all the way back to their gospel days. Joe has been a baseball buddy, and we just talked about life and sports riding down the road. Rest in peace brother BanJoey! You will be missed.” -Larry Stewart, The Frontmen / Restless Heart

ASCAP has launched its 2024 ASCAP Citizen campaign, powered by voter registration organization HeadCount, which encourages ASCAP’s more than one million members and their communities to make their voices heard in this year’s elections.

As the congressional debate around artificial intelligence regulation intensifies, the 2024 ASCAP Citizen campaign focuses on why voting is important for ASCAP members, emphasizing the direct impact policy can have on a music creators’ ability to make a living. This year’s campaign kicked off this week and will run through Election Day on Nov. 5.

The campaign launches with a video featuring ASCAP members Leon Thomas, Madison Love, Jimmy Jam, Marcus Miller, Siddhartha Khosla, Joe Ragosta, Jaren Johnston, Goergia Middleman, Akil “worldwidefresh” King, Amanda “Kiddo A.I.” Ibanez, René G. Boscio and Amanda Jones sharing why it’s critical for music creators to participate in the democratic process, and sending the message to elected officials that music creators vote.

Throughout the campaign, @ASCAP socials will feature educational content and personal messages about the importance of voting from ASCAP members across every genre. The initial list includes LENA, Blu June, Pinar Toprak, 310babii and more, and ASCAP will also amplify “get out the vote” messages from other top ASCAP creators partnered with HeadCount including Olivia Rodrigo, Alicia Keys and Kehlani.

“Whether it is protecting creators’ rights through copyright law or new artificial intelligence regulations, policy directly impacts our members’ livelihoods. It’s vital for music creators to stay engaged with democracy and that starts with voting,” says ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “It’s time to show elected officials that they should listen to more than just our members’ songs, because music creators vote.”

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with ASCAP to empower music creators and their communities to vote in the upcoming elections. ASCAP Citizen embraces music’s power to bring people together – and music creators’ power as advocates for making our voices heard,” adds Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director of HeadCount.

For the third election year in a row, ASCAP is an official partner of National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17. ASCAP Citizen will engage in online and on-the-ground grassroots voter registration mobilization throughout the summer and fall, and will shift to get-out-the-vote efforts in the days leading up to Election Day, including early voting efforts for Vote Early Day on Oct. 29.

Ashley Cooke Joins Forces With Busch Light To Surprise Fans

Ashley Cooke surprising fans on Nashville’s Broadway. Photo: Busch Light

Ashley Cooke joined forces with Busch Light to surprise fans on Nashville’s Broadway on Monday (July 8).

She performed her first-ever US country radio No. 1, “Your Place,” as well as “I Almost Do” and unreleased song “Twenty Six,” which hasn’t been recorded yet. The beer brand will continue to be pop up in bars across Broadway all summer long with surprise performances by artists from its Busch Country roster.

The MLC Hosts David Hodges

Pictured (L–R): The MLC’s Ellen Truley, David Hodges and The MLC’s Kris Ahrend

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) recently hosted singer-songwriter and producer David Hodges at their Nashville office, where he treated the team to an acoustic performance

The two-time Grammy winner and former member of Evanescence has written numerous chart-toppers, including Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,” Ed Sheeran’s “2 Step” and “Afterglow” and Carrie Underwood’s “See You Again,” among others.

CMA & Morgan Wallen Recognize AEG’s Jim King & Live Nation’s Anna Sophie-Mertens

Pictured (L–R): Anna Sophie-Mertens, Morgan Wallen, Milly Olykan and Jim King. Photo: David Lehr

The Country Music Association and Morgan Wallen presented Jim King, AEG’s Chief Executive Officer, European Festival Division, and Anna Sophie-Mertens, Live Nation Vice President, Touring, with a token of appreciation commemorating contemporary country music on a mainstream music stage outside of North America last Thursday (July 4) at London’s Hyde Park.

Wallen then took the stage for the largest country concert in the U.K. to date.

“This is a milestone for the country genre and it’s important that we acknowledge the promoters who are supporting country music’s rapidly growing and mainstream appeal in the U.K.,” says Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development. “As the fastest-growing genre in the U.K., thanks to countless artists who are focused on building a global audience, we are grateful for the foundation that has been laid that has led to opportunities like BST Hyde Park, and we are more excited than ever to see what’s to come.”

Chase McDaniel. Photo: Chris Hollo

Big Machine Records singer-songwriter Chase McDaniel stepped into the historic Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time on Friday (July 5).

The Greensburg, Kentucky native has dreamed about playing on the stage since he was five years old, after his grandfather took him to the venue for the first time.

“My Great Papaw was always my biggest supporter of this crazy dream and the only thing he loved more than Country music was my Great Mamaw, so the fact that my debut fell on their wedding anniversary makes me feel like he is right there with me, still cheering me on,” he shared. “I’ve wanted to play ‘the most important stage in country music’ since I was about five years old and the magnitude of the moment is indescribable. I’m so unbelievably grateful to all of the wonderful people that are in my corner, cheering me on and making this two-plus decade-long dream a reality. I’m overwhelmed with emotions.”

He started the set with his forthcoming single “Heart Still Works,” which will be released on July 19. Afterwards, he told a bit of his story, sharing what it felt like to make his debut and inspiring hope for anyone who may be struggling. Before he even started the next track, the Opry House crowd rose to their feet for a roaring standing ovation.

The moment was made more special with McDaniel’s parents in the audience, who made their first trip to Nashville for the occasion. He then closed out his Opry debut with emotional track “Your Daughter,” which was succeeded by another roaring applause.