Oak Ridge Boys bass singer Richard Sterban dies at 83
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Richard Sterban, the longtime bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys whose deep voice became instantly recognizable in the group’s hit song “Elvira,” has died. He was 83.
Sterban died Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia following a long battle with cancer, according to an announcement from his family and The Oak Ridge Boys.
“We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers. Please continue to lift us up in this difficult time. We find comfort knowing that he is currently face to face with Jesus,” the Sterban family said in a statement.
Sterban joined The Oak Ridge Boys in late 1972 after previously performing with Elvis Presley and the Stamps Quartet. He spent more than five decades with the country and gospel group, helping transform it from a Southern gospel quartet into one of the most successful vocal groups in country music.
The group recorded 34 singles that reached the country music Top 10, including 17 No. 1 hits. It also earned Grammy Awards, Country Music Association honors and Academy of Country Music awards.
For millions of fans, Sterban was best known for his unmistakable bass vocals in the 1981 hit “Elvira.” His booming “oom poppa mow mow” refrain became one of the song’s signature moments.
The song reached No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 on the pop charts, selling more than 2 million copies. It also earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and was named Single of the Year by both the CMA and the Academy of Country Music.
Other major hits during Sterban’s career included “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made,” “Trying to Love Two Women” and “I’ll Be True to You.”
Born Richard Anthony Sterban on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, he began singing when he was 6 years old in Sunday school. His voice changed to bass when he was in eighth grade, and he eventually decided to pursue music professionally.
Before joining The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban sang with gospel quartets in the Philadelphia area and later joined J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, which performed behind Presley. He toured with Presley for about a year and a half, recorded with him and appeared in the 1972 concert film “Elvis on Tour.”
Sterban ultimately left the opportunity to perform with Presley behind to pursue his dream of joining what he considered the world’s best vocal group.
Over the years, The Oak Ridge Boys performed for several U.S. presidents, including Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. The group also developed a close friendship with former President George H.W. Bush and sang “Amazing Grace” at his funeral in December 2018.
The group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001, the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Outside of music, Sterban was a lifelong baseball fan and part owner of the Nashville Sounds minor league baseball team for 30 years. He also enjoyed cycling, sailing and snorkeling.
He lived in Hendersonville for more than 50 years. In October 2025, the city honored The Oak Ridge Boys by dedicating a bridge over Drakes Creek in their name.
Sterban stepped away from touring in May 2025 for health reasons but returned to the stage with the group at the Grand Ole Opry in January 2026 to perform “Elvira.” The audience gave him a standing ovation.
He also contributed vocals to several tracks on the group’s October 2026 album, “Buried Treasures.”
Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Lauren and Tori; sons Rich, Doug and Chris; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.