Richard Sterban, the bass vocalist for The Oak Ridge Boys, has died at the age of 83. His family confirmed the news in a statement, saying he passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee, due to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Family Statement and Early Career
“We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers,” his family said. “Please continue to lift us up in this difficult time, we find comfort knowing that he is currently face to face with Jesus.”
Sterban spent the early days of his career as a backup singer for Elvis Presley before leaving that role to join the vocal group, which is perhaps best known for its rendition of “Elvira.” The iconic hit soared to No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100, earning the group one of its five Grammy Awards.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Throughout their career, the group received 23 Grammy nominations. They performed for U.S. Presidents, played at the Grammy Awards ceremony, on American Bandstand, and at the Grand Ole Opry. They toured with musicians such as Johnny Cash and lent their harmonies as backup vocalists on Paul Simon’s hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.”
Sterban joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1972 and toured regularly with the group until 2025, when his health began to deteriorate. “In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Sterban said at the time. “But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this.”
Sterban and the band’s three other members, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, and William Lee Golden, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. They joined the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001 and gained membership in the Grand Ole Opry in 2011. Originally from Camden, New Jersey, Sterban was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said Sterban “used his unmistakable bass voice to connect commercial country music to its deep gospel roots,” describing him as a “steady force and a foundational figure in country music.” “He helped the supergroup achieve seventeen No. 1 hits, legions of fans the world over, and a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Young added.
Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, his daughters Lauren and Tori, his sons Rich, Doug, and Chris, as well as his eight grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren.
