Entertainment · Music · 41 mins ago
Oak Ridge Boys Bass Singer Richard Sterban Dies at 83
Richard Sterban died at 83 on Nov.
14 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after battling cancer.
He joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972 and remained part of the group for five decades.
His bass refrain helped define “Elvira,” the group’s 1981 hit, which reached No.
1 on the country chart, sold more than two million copies and won a Grammy.
Before joining the group, Sterban sang with Elvis Presley as part of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, and appeared in the 1972 concert film “Elvis on Tour.”
The Oak Ridge Boys earned places in three music halls of fame: the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sterban is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard Sterban, the bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, died at 83.
His family and the band said he died in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer.
Sterban joined the country and gospel group in 1972 after singing backup for Elvis Presley.
His deep bass refrain helped make the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1981 recording of “Elvira” a major hit.
The group won five Grammy Awards, according to Hindustan Times.
- Who
- Richard Sterban, bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys.
- What
- He died at 83. His family and the band said the cause was complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer.
- When
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.
- Where
- Hendersonville, Tennessee.
- Why
- His family and the band said he died from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sterban joined the Oak Ridge Boys after Noel Fox left the group.
The Oak Ridge Boys’ version of “Elvira,” featuring Sterban’s bass refrain, became a hit.
Sterban published his memoir, From Elvis to Elvira: My Life on Stage.
Sterban and the other Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sterban died in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
- Age
- 83
- Group
- The Oak Ridge Boys
- Joined the group
- 1972
- Death location
- Hendersonville, Tennessee
- Cause of death
- Complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer
- Elvira
- Oak Ridge Boys’ recording released in 1981
5 sources
Richard Sterban, the Bass Singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, Dies at 83
Richard Sterban, member of the celebrated country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 83
Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys dies at 83
Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban, Whose Distinctive Bass Voice Powered ‘Elvira’ and Other Country Smashes, Dies at 83
Richard Sterban, Oak Ridge Boys’ Bass Singer, Dies at 83
What people are saying
It absolutely carried us to another stratosphere
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
used his unmistakable bass voice to connect commercial country music to its deep gospel roots