The Oak Ridge Boys, managed for decades by Tulsa-based impresario Jim Halsey, paid tribute to 50-year member Joe Bonsall by releasing a new music video for “Promised Land” from their 2021 album “Front Porch Singin.’”
Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall and William Lee Golden are shown in this Oak Ridge Boys photo. Bonsall died July 9 at age 76.
Bonsall died July 9 from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He was 76.
“Promised Land,” written by Ashley Monroe, resonated with fans originally, and after Bonsall’s passing, fans of the Country Music Hall of Fame group shared the song on social media in his memory.
The remaining members of the Oak Ridge Boys wanted to create a “perfect tribute” to Bonsall. William Lee Golden suggested a music video for “Promised Land,” which features Bonsall vocals, a photographic look at his life and a conversation among band mates at the conclusion.
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The song begins with the following words: “Don’t weep for me when I’m dead and gone, for I’ll just be going home.”
Talking about the origin of the song, Duane Allen said, “I called Ashley Monroe and asked her to write a song for our ‘Front Porch Singin’ album. We spoke about what we were looking for. Within a few days, Ashley sent ‘Promised Land.’ I loved it immediately and sent it to (producer) David Cobb. He wrote back ‘home run!’ When we got into the studio, the magic happened. David 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.”
The Oak Ridge Boys continue to tour the country on their American Made Farewell Tour.
