Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
“His performance is unforgettable,” Richard Sterban told PEOPLE, reflecting on the talents of his friend, who passed away on July 9 due to complications from ALS.
Some songs were uniquely suited to Joe Bonsall’s voice.
One such song is “Promised Land,” featured on The Oak Ridge Boys’ 2021 album Front Porch Singin’. The beautifully crafted song, which starts with the line “don’t weep for me when I’m dead and gone, for I’ll just be going home,” now deeply resonates with those who cherished the late tenor vocalist.
“‘Promised Land’ exemplifies Joe Bonsall’s remarkable talent for conveying the essence of a powerful song and connecting with the listener,” Richard Sterban, 81, told PEOPLE. “His performance remains unforgettable.”
Now, that unforgettable performance will be forever highlighted in a new music video for the deeply moving song. Premiering exclusively on PEOPLE, the video for “Promised Land” showcases a wealth of memories from the storied history of The Oak Ridge Boys, which currently includes Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and the group’s newest member, Ben James.
“[The video] is incredibly touching,” James, 28, told PEOPLE. “It brings me joy to think that Joe is now with the one he loved to sing about. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—no one can convey a song’s message like Joe Bonsall.”
The story behind “Promised Land” has always been particularly meaningful, as it was written by country artist Ashley Monroe at the request of The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen.
“I reached out to Ashley Monroe and asked her to write a song for our Front Porch Singin’ album,” Allen, 81, recounted in an interview with PEOPLE shortly after the passing of his beloved wife, Norah Lee Allen, in April. “A few days later, Ashley sent over ‘Promised Land.’ I loved it right away and forwarded it to [producer] Dave Cobb.”
As expected, Cobb was taken with the spiritual song, but his admiration grew even more when The Oak Ridge Boys recorded it in the studio. “[That’s] when the magic happened,” Allen recalled. “Dave had Joe sing in a lower key than usual, allowing him to almost speak the message. I believe David truly captured Joe’s heart and soul.”
Indeed, it was only at the song’s conclusion that the other members contributed their unique voices. “Our ‘ooos’ are only heard at the end of this masterpiece,” Allen explains.
“Thanks to Dave Cobb’s exceptional production, this will be a lasting tribute to Joe,” Sterban adds.
While the music will undoubtedly serve as a fitting tribute to Bonsall and his passions, his upcoming memoir I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life will also be a significant testament to his life. Scheduled for release in mid-November, the book explores everything from Bonsall’s childhood in Philadelphia to his experiences headlining sold-out arenas with The Oak Ridge Boys, as well as his unwavering faith despite his declining health in his later years.
This enduring faith will always be reflected in Bonsall’s remarkable performance of “Promised Land.”
