Richard Sterban, the deep-voiced Oak Ridge Boys singer whose bass refrain became a defining part of “Elvira,” has died at 83.
Sterban died Saturday, Nov. 14, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. His family and the group said he suffered complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a long battle with cancer. In a statement, his family thanked supporters for their prayers and said their faith brought comfort during the loss.
Sterban shared in September 2025 that he had pancreatic cancer. Doctors had diagnosed him that March. Even as he faced treatment, he remained hopeful that his faith and medical care would help him recover and return to performing. He thanked fans for their support and said he hoped to be back on the road within a few months.
After taking time away from touring in May 2025, Sterban returned to the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 30 and 31, 2026. He joined his bandmates for performances of “Elvira,” drawing a standing ovation. Fellow singer Duane Allen called having Sterban back onstage one of God’s greatest blessings.
Born April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban began singing in Sunday school when he was 6. His voice changed from soprano to bass by eighth grade, and he went on to sing in gospel groups before reaching the biggest stages in country music.
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban performed with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, backing Elvis Presley on tour and recordings. He also appeared in the 1972 concert film “Elvis on Tour.” That year, he left the group to become the Oak Ridge Boys’ bass singer. He said he wanted to join what he considered the world’s best vocal group.
With Allen, baritone William Lee Golden and tenor Joe Bonsall, Sterban helped the group move from Southern gospel into country and pop. Their hits included “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made.”
Still, Sterban was best known for the booming bass part in the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1981 recording of “Elvira.” The song topped the country chart, reached No. 5 on the pop chart and won a Grammy. Sterban once called it the song audiences most hoped to hear at concerts.
The group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
The four singers shared a close bond. In 2021, Allen said the group had grown closer than at any other point in its career.
The Oak Ridge Boys also became friends with former President George H.W. Bush. At his request, they sang “Amazing Grace” at his funeral in Houston in December 2018. The group flew overnight from Washington state after a concert to be there. Sterban said there was no question they would make the trip.
Offstage, Sterban was a devoted baseball fan and part owner of the Nashville Sounds minor league team for 30 years. He kept recording late in life, contributing to several songs on the Oak Ridge Boys’ October 2026 album, “Buried Treasures.”
He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Lauren and Tori; sons Rich, Doug and Chris; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
