Introduction
The Oak Ridge Boys Honor Joe Bonsall’s Final Farewell with “I See Myself”
For nearly five decades, Joe Bonsall stood on stage as the lively tenor voice of The Oak Ridge Boys, his unmistakable energy lighting up arenas and theaters across the country. Now, as he steps away from the spotlight, he leaves fans with something deeply personal and profoundly moving—his final book, I See Myself.
The Oak Ridge Boys, known for their tight harmonies and timeless hits like “Elvira” and “Thank God for Kids,” recently came together not just to celebrate their music, but to honor a brother, a friend, and a storyteller. I See Myself isn’t just a memoir—it’s a final love letter to the fans, the music, and the journey that shaped Joe Bonsall’s extraordinary life.
In a private gathering surrounded by family, close friends, and members of the band, the release of the book was both a celebration and a farewell. For the remaining Oaks—Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—the moment was bittersweet. While they continue to carry the torch of the group’s legacy, they do so knowing a vital part of their harmony now lives on in pages rather than performances.
Joe’s voice may no longer ring out on stage, but in I See Myself, it echoes with clarity and heart. The book explores his deep faith, the road stories that defined his career, and the health battles that eventually led to his retirement from touring. But above all, it’s a story about finding peace, purpose, and perspective.
“He poured his soul into this one,” said Duane Allen during the celebration. “Joe has always had a way with words—not just in song, but in spirit. This book is pure Joe: honest, funny, full of heart.”
Indeed, Bonsall has long been a gifted writer in addition to his musical contributions. With several books already to his name, including G.I. Joe & Lillie and From My Perspective, he has a unique ability to connect with readers in the same way he connected with audiences—through sincerity.
I See Myself is perhaps his most personal work yet. Written with the knowledge that it would be his last book, it reflects a man at peace with his journey and deeply grateful for every step. From his early days in Philadelphia to the Grand Ole Opry stage, Bonsall’s reflections are laced with humor, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for God’s grace.
Fans across the world are embracing the book not just as a memoir, but as a final encore—a quiet, heartfelt bow from a man who gave everything he had to music and to those who listened.
As the Oak Ridge Boys continue to tour, they carry Joe’s legacy with them. And as readers turn the pages of I See Myself, they’ll find more than memories—they’ll find the spirit of a man who never stopped singing, even when the stage grew quiet.