Richard Sterban, longtime bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 83

Richard Sterban, whose bass voice was a defining part of The Oak Ridge Boys, died Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at age 83. His family and the band announced his death in a statement, attributing it to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia following a long battle with cancer.

Sterban became a member of the country and gospel quartet in 1972, leaving a job singing backup for Elvis Presley to take the position. His time with The Oak Ridge Boys stretched across more than five decades. He continued touring regularly with the group until declining health interrupted those performances in 2025.

Among the group's best-known recordings was its rendition of “Elvira,” released in 1981. The song brought The Oak Ridge Boys substantial crossover success, topping the country chart and climbing to No. 5 on Billboard's all-genre Hot 100. Other hits from that period included “Bobbie Sue” in 1982 and “American Made” in 1983.

The quartet's career brought five Grammy wins from 23 nominations, along with appearances before presidents and performances on American Bandstand, at the Grammy Awards and at the Grand Ole Opry. Its musical collaborations included touring with Johnny Cash and providing backing vocals for Paul Simon's hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

Sterban and his three bandmates entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, joining Presley among its honorees. That recognition followed the group's induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001 and its admission to the Grand Ole Opry in 2011.

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban also received recognition from the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame in 1994. He was inducted alongside fellow Oak Ridge Boys singer Joe Bonsall, who died in 2024. Before their years together in The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban and Bonsall had both sung with the Keystones.

Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young credited Sterban with linking commercial country music to its gospel foundations through his distinctive bass vocals. In a statement, Young described him as a “steady force and a foundational figure in country music,” citing his contribution to the group's 17 No. 1 hits and worldwide following.

Sterban's survivors include his wife, Donna, daughters Lauren and Tori, and sons Rich, Doug and Chris. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.