Watch The Oak Ridge Boys’ Emotional Tribute To Joe Bonsall

The Oak Ridge Boys paid tribute to Joe Bonsall with a novel music video for “Promised Land” featuring footage from his life and highlights from his 50-year tenure with the legendary group. 

Bonsall, who died July 9 from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), provided the vocals on “Promised Land,” a moving gospel song featured on The Oak Ridge Boys’ 2021 album Front Porch Singin’.

When news of Bonsall’s death broke, fans quickly began sharing the song in his memory. So, while discussing how to create the perfect tribute to their slow bandmate, William Lee Golden suggested a music video for “Promised Land.”

The finished product (below) was released yesterday.

“‘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,” soprano Richard Sterban told People. “His performance is unforgettable.”

The song was written by country artist Ashley Monroe at the request of The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen. 

“Within a few days Ashley sent ‘Promised Land.’ I loved it immediately and sent it to [producer] Dave Cobb,” Allen recalled to People, adding that the “magic happened” when The Oak Ridge Boys gathered in the studio to record it. 

“Dave 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.

Sterban agreed.

“With Dave Cobb’s great production, it will be a way for us to remember Joe for a long time,” he added.