Richard Sterban, famed for his bass vocals in the Oak Ridge Boys' hit 'Elvira', has died at 83 after battling cancer.
Richard Sterban, the renowned bass singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away at the age of 83. His family and the music group announced that he died on November 14, 2026, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, due to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban’s musical journey began at a young age, singing in Sunday school. He later pursued music at Trenton State College and joined a gospel quartet where he met Joe Bonsall, who would become his bandmate in the Oak Ridge Boys.
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, Sterban performed with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, a group that famously backed Elvis Presley. His deep bass voice became a signature element of the Oak Ridge Boys’ sound, particularly in their iconic 1981 hit ‘Elvira’, which topped the country charts and sold over two million copies.
The Oak Ridge Boys, known for their harmonious blend of country and gospel music, achieved significant success throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like ‘Y’all Come Back Saloon’ and ‘I’ll Be True to You’. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy in the music industry.
In a heartfelt statement, Sterban’s family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they received during this difficult time, finding comfort in the belief that he is now ‘face to face with Jesus’. Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, and several children and grandchildren.
