Artist Interview: Joe Bonsall on the inspiring story of G.I. Joe and Lillie

Joseph S. Bonsall

Joe Bonsall could be described as a composer. From being one of the musically inclined singer-songwriters of the Oak Ridge Boys to Joseph S. Bonsall, author of feature stories that intrigue the reader. While at a tour stop in Renfro Valley, KY, Bonsall recently spoke about his book, G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty.

The book is a very touching story of World War II veterans, Private First Class Joseph Sloan Bonsall Senior of the United States Army and Corporal Lillie Maude Collins Bonsall of the Women’s Army Corps. Both of their lives intertwined with their relationship and perseverance is an inspiring story. They are now buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Describe your relationship to Cracker Barrel?

The relationship between the Oak Ridge Boys and Cracker Barrel has been phenomenal for us. They have done a lot for us and we've done some things for them. "It's Only Natural" is a huge selling album for us and a big thing for us. For them to put G.I. Joe and Lillie as part of their American Heritage Celebration, I was shocked and did not see it coming. I love to say that we had this big plan to put G.I. Joe and Lillie in Cracker Barrel, but we didn't. I had no idea this was going to happen. The fact that they did and they love the book, to me is a tremendous honor. This book was written in 2003. And yet, it keeps gaining legs. Something keeps happening to help G.I. Joe and Lillie move forward.

What has been the reaction from readers?

A month ago we sang at an event for Vietnam Veterans. It was a big deal for me. Before the thing, there was a meet and greet. We met a bunch of Congressional Medal of Honor winners. A four star general of the US Army comes up to me and says, "Are you going to sing to us about Lillie tonight?" Man if my mom knew that a four star General of the Army said that!

I also learned about the story of a lady, Vivian, that read the book only to realize that she knew my mother. She got in touch with me and sent photos that I have never seen before.

(Click here to read more about the touching story of Vivian and view the photos.)

What do you think is the biggest struggle for Veterans of war now as compared to when your parents were in World War II?

It's just as hard. I think combat war is one of the worst things that the human body could ever put themselves through. The human mind puts themselves through it mentally and physically.

Ever been in a fight - knock down drag out physical fight? It's an adrenaline rush that you won't ever believe. Ever been in a car wreck and the rush of that moment? It takes days or months to get over it. For some people, it takes years to get over a bone crushing, almost death defying car wreck. Sometimes when other people are injured or killed, it's hard to get over. It's a mental thing. Combat is that on a day to day to day basis. The strain it takes on a mind to be taking lives and fighting for your own life is something I don't think anyone could understand it to this day.

I know that my father went through it. When he came home, the first thing they did was put him in a hospital in Philly because he was like near crazy. He had alcohol problems all of his life. He had nightmares all of his life. War changed him. Even when he was sick and old, he had nightmares. Mommy had to wake him and hold him. He could only say a few words in the last days. What were they? 'War. War.'

He promised me that I would never see it and he kept his promise. He told me two things: first of all it's hell and I don't want you to ever experience that hell. Secondly, you're so dog gone stupid, you'll probably get blown up on the first day there. And he might have been right (laughing).

I think our kids are struggling and our VA has a huge job ahead of them to take care of them. I don't think they are doing a very good job of it. I'm not talking politics. I'm talking about the realities. It's a mess and a horrible thing we put these kids through.

What is the American Dream?

I always hoped that the American dream, in my heart, was always that if you lived right, played by the rules, told the truth, honored God that you can do anything you want to do and be anything you want to be. I believe that it is the heart of all things. You've got to work hard. People expect stuff given to them. We do have a government that is free to give away anything. I know that nobody gave my mom and dad anything. The government was not there to give them a handout. The VA helped my dad, but I know that my mom would work three jobs to make ends meet. I know that there are people that would do the same and are struggling, but willing to work hard. I hope that the American dream is still in tact. I feel that it is. We look at Middle America every single night from the state fairs, the county fairs, and big beautiful theatres. I get a good feeling for people. I think people are still trying to be as optimistic as they can and I think better days are still coming. I really do. I think people need to focus on God and hard work.

What makes you happy the most?

For me, I’m happy the most by picking banjo on my farm after I've cleaned the whole place up.

When the last note is played and last song is sung, how do you want to be remembered by?

I hope people will think that he is a pretty good guy that is living his dream and lived his dream. I didn't make a living until I was 32 years old doing this. I didn't give up in my 20s doing this. Whenever everyone was saying for me to get a real job, I never gave up on singing. I was willing. I hope people will learn a lesson from me on that. I hope people think they enjoyed what I did. Maybe give them a good laugh, a blessing on occasion, a good book, a good word - that would be alright.

Be sure to visit the following websites for more information:

Joseph S. Bonsall www.josephsbonsall.com 

Oak Ridge Boys www.oakridgeboys.com

Cracker Barrel www.crackerbarrel.com

Joe Bonsall on living his personal American dream

Joe Bonsall - Photo by Jarrett Gaza

"Music marks the passing of time." That is very relevant to an everlasting career of the Oak Ridge Boys as they prepare for their annual Kentucky State Fair outing come August 20th. For over 35 years, the Oak Ridge Boys have stood on the stage at both Freedom Hall and Cardinal Stadium engaging fans with entertainment to put their worries behind for a few hours. Each of those 35 years has marked another year of good health, good music, and another moment made in history.

I recently spoke with Joe Bonsall about the success of his musical and book writing career. There are many sides of Mr. Bonsall. There's Joe Bonsall, singer for the Oak Ridge Boys; Joseph S. Bonsall, noted book author of "GI Joe and Lillie," "From My Perspective," and several books of his cat Molly. (Be sure to check out a humorous story in "From My Perspective" about going to a book expo and telling others about his talking cat books!) And there is Banjoey - the banjo playing, homegrown picking till the cows come home, and appreciator of music in general.

Joe Bonsall: Being "One of" the Oak Ridge Boys

Who could ever imagine a young lad from Philly become an energetic singer as part of one of the longest standing vocal groups in country music history? Being in part of a group, one will soon be known as "one of the" as if it is their middle name. There are memorable moments over the time, but perhaps one of the biggest thrills is being up on stage as the fans sing and dance along to the hits in time.

Remember the phrase, "Music marks the passing of time."

Coming out on stage, Joe notes that the Kentucky State Fair is definitely a memory maker. "The Kentucky State Fair is a special show for us all. The day of the show I study the last four years to make sure we give them something new and refreshing that is different than what we gave them last year. There are some songs we leave in the set as they are expected, but we do change it up because it is a very special show. Our first show was with Eddie Rabbitt over at Freedom Hall. We look forward to that show. Every year we do the fair, I can't believe it's here already. There is no where else that we have played as long as the Kentucky State Fair. In fact, there are many places we have outlived, but nothing is ever like playing the Kentucky State Fair."

Joseph S. Bonsall: From His Perspective

Just like his singing career, Mr. Bonsall has well-crafted his writing career using his full name for a pen name. One of his first adventures was the stories behind the relationship of his mother and father, two war veterans, in "GI Joe and Lillie." The heartfelt book is a must have for any bookshelf.

His latest endeavor, "From My Perspective," takes on a new approach of multiple stories that intertwine amongst various sections. On writing the book, Bonsall said, "at first thought that it wouldn't make sense by going all over. This book is very antidote. I write about everything from banjos to barn wallows, as well as music, faith, and more. I didn't know how it would come out. The book company compartmentalize it so well. If you are an avid reader, you became familiar with the story teller."

What you might have never expected is to hear in "From My Perspective," is a story about the rise of fame of Taylor Swift. Bonsall agrees that no matter what people may say Taylor Swift has honed her craft of songwriting with the ability to connect with her fans. One funny thing to think about is how we as fans, music critics, radio jockeys, the industry as a whole, puts particular people in genres. At the end of the day, it is all about the music.

Bonsall noted, "To me Taylor is a great example of success. One can argue genres for days on end. I remember back in the day folks said that the Oak Ridge Boys were too pop and try to be rock and roll. Really - what is real country music? To some it may be George Jones and Merle Haggard or perhaps bluegrass. Now people call the Oak Ridge Boys classic country, when in fact we're still singing the same stuff that we did many years ago. For crying out loud, we even recorded 'Seven Nation Army'. Music is music, good is good, bad is bad, and that's why God invented the I-pod. I wave a flag for folks like Taylor Swift because she's made it all the way to the top. Who else is singing to 55 thousand in Pittsburgh like the other night? Who's gone and sold out every single major coliseum around the world? Not just here, but everywhere. Who's selling millions and millions of albums? It's not Michael Jackson anymore, it's Taylor Swift. Her heart is still in country and she's a country girl. She's done so much good with her success, some that a lot of people may not know about. When the tornado ripped through Hendersonville, she donated to rebuild all the playgrounds. The girl has a big heart and she's young. I think the sky's the limit for Taylor. Is she country? At the end of the day, it's music and it touches people."

"From My Perspective" is an enjoyable read that one can pick up, set down, and pick right up at any point in the book. For the fun side of life, Bonsall wrote several books on the perspective of his cat Molly. Whether it is talking cats, instruments talking with the sound of strings plucking, or the stories told of war, Bonsall has shown what a talented individual he is.

Banjoey: Homegrown Pickin Never Goes Out of Style

Resting among the Kentucky (or as Joe puts it "Kain-Tuck-Kee") and Tennessee state line, you can find Joe working on the farm while sitting atop of a John Deere tractor. You might also find him sitting in a picking circle plucking away on his banjo. One of the highlights last year during the Kentucky State Fair was when he was invited on stage by the Grascals to play the "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with Kristen Scott Benson. Nevertheless, Banjoey was on a roll (pun intended) and eased his way alongside Kristen.

The Future of Joe

What does the future hold for Joe Bonsall? One thing is for sure, as technology grows and people age, the Oak Ridge Boys and Joe Bonsall have embraced change. The band, as well as Joe has Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, and much more. You might find little tidbits of history on the Oak Ridge Boys, or perhaps catch a random factoid, such as the perspective of watching a baseball game. Who knew 140 characters could make a big impact?

To sum up everything in his career according to Bonsall, "Every song is a story. Every person in every seat is a story. Every light, every soul is a story because God's most important gift is the ability to breathe oxygen every day and life. It is an incredible gift and when you are given that gift, it is your responsibility to do the best you can with that gift."