Richard Sterban of Oak Ridge Boys Passes Away at 83

Richard Sterban, the distinctive voice behind The Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Elvira,” has passed away at the age of 83. He died on Saturday, November 14, in Hendersonville, Tennessee due to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a prolonged battle with cancer. His family and The Oak Ridge Boys announced his passing.

“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,” his family stated, as reported by Fox News Digital.

Sterban publicly revealed a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in September 2025. He shared that the diagnosis came in March of the same year. Despite his health challenges, Sterban remained hopeful that his faith and the care he received could lead to recovery and a return to the stage.

He stepped away from touring in May 2025 but made a return to the Grand Ole Opry on January 30 and 31, 2026. He performed “Elvira” with his bandmates, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

“Having Richard on stage with us again was one of God’s greatest blessings,” fellow singer Duane Allen expressed.

Born on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban began singing at a young age. His voice shifted from soprano to bass in eighth grade, leading him towards a music career. Before joining The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban sang with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, performing with Elvis Presley and participating in the 1972 concert film, “Elvis on Tour.”

Later in 1972, he left to join The Oak Ridge Boys as their bass singer, seeking to be part of the best vocal group. With lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden, and tenor Joe Bonsall, Sterban helped evolve the group from a gospel quartet to a major country and pop act. They produced hits like “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.”

Sterban’s deep bass line in their 1981 recording of “Elvira” was especially iconic. The song reached No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 on the pop charts, securing a Grammy Award.

The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Their shared musical journey over the decades also created strong personal connections.

“I think the four of us have grown closer than we’ve ever been in our whole career,” Duane Allen reflected in 2021.

The group also cherished a friendship with former President George H.W. Bush. They performed “Amazing Grace” at his funeral in Houston in December 2018, traveling overnight from a concert to attend.

Besides music, Sterban had a passion for baseball and co-owned the Nashville Sounds minor league team for 30 years. He continued to contribute musically, participating in tracks on The Oak Ridge Boys’ October 2026 album, “Buried Treasures.”

Richard Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, his daughters Lauren and Tori, sons Rich, Doug, and Chris, along with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.