Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys‘ tenor singer for five decades before he passed away earlier this month. When Bonsall died, he left behind a lifetime of memories, countless friends and loved ones, and a legacy that will outlive even the youngest fans of the Oaks. Today (July 25), the group shared a touching video of Bonsall taking the lead on a timely track titled “Promised Land.” Grab the tissues and check out the video below.
The Oak Ridge Boys originally recorded “Promised Land” for their 2021 album Front Porch Singin’. In the light of Bonsall’s death, though, the song hits a little harder. Don’t wait for me when I’m dead and gone / ‘Cause I’ll just be goin’ home, Bonsall sings in the opening moments of the video. “A beautiful song called ‘Promised Land,’” he said. “It promises us eternity, it promises us a better place. And it’s just a beautiful, beautiful gospel song that Dave Cobb insisted we sing and he insisted I sing it,” he added. “It was a blessing to sing this song, I hope you enjoy it.”
Videos by American Songwriter
[RELATED: 3 Timeless Oak Ridge Boys Hits Featuring Joe Bonsall’s Lead Vocals]
The Oak Ridge Boys Pay Tribute to Joe Bonsall with “Promised Land”
Today, People premiered the moving video for “Promised Land” alongside thoughts from the remaining members of the Oak Ridge Boys. “’Promised Land’ is a great example of Joe Bonsall’s ability to capture the message of a great song and communicate that message to the listener,” Richard Sterban told the publication. “His performance is unforgettable,” he added.
Ben James, the newest—and youngest—member of the Oak Ridge Boys also spoke about the video. “The video is so very moving. It makes me smile to think that Joe is now with the one he loved to sing about,” he said. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—nobody can get the message of a song across like Joe Bonsall.”
Duane Allen recalled the production of the song. “Dave [Cobb] voiced Joe in a lower key than normal so he could almost talk this message. I feel that David captured Joe’s heart and soul,” he said of the recording.
The performance was lauded by fans as a “glorious tribute” while others thanked them for their “morning cry” of “happy tears.”
Featured Image: YouTube
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater -
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 04: ***EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE*** Billy Ray Cyrus Hosts Miltary Families at His Farm for the TV taping of "I'm American," shot by Disney to air on (GAC) Great American Country. PICTURED: Recording Artists Billy Ray Cryus, Taped on June 4, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) -
Cassandra Wilson during Cassandra Wilson Performing at the Contemporary Arts Center – May 3, 2002 at Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (Photo by Skip Bolen/WireImage) -
Dolly Parton faces media during a press conference on November 10, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (photo by El Pics/Getty Images) -
02/24/16-Boston,MA Boston first responders investigate the scene at Summer and D streets, where one of the drivers involved in a 2 car accident was injured Wednesday morning. Staff photo by Mark Garfinkel (Photo by Mark Garfinkel/Boston Herald/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) -
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images -
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images -
US musician Sean Lennon (L) and filmmaker Simon Hilton pose in the press room with Best Rock Performance award on behalf of The Beatles for "Now and Then" during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE