Richard Sterban, whose deep bass voice anchored The Oak Ridge Boys for more than half a century and whose rumbling refrain on “Elvira” became one of the most familiar sounds in American music, died Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Hendersonville, Tennessee due to complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after fighting a long, hard battle with cancer.
He was 83. His death was announced by his family and The Oak Ridge Boys.
Richard joined The Oak Ridge Boys in late 1972, walking away from a job singing behind Elvis Presley to chase a goal he had set for himself as a young man. He said, “I wanted to be in the best vocal group in the world.” With lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden and the late great tenor Joe Bonsall, he helped carry a Southern gospel quartet into the heart of country and pop music.
The group placed 34 singles in the country Top 10, 17 of them at No. 1, earned Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards, and became members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“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.” – The Sterban Family
To millions of fans, he was the voice at the foundation of the Oaks’ four-part harmony and, for a few famous bars of “Elvira,” (oom poppa mow mow), the voice out in front. Offstage, he was a sharp dresser, a lifelong baseball fan and longtime part owner of Nashville’s minor league team, and for more than 50 years a proud resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Richard is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughters, Lauren (Tyler) and Tori (Michael); his sons, Rich (Chele), Doug, and Chris; his grandchildren, Mali (Zachary), Nikolas, Tyler (Ryann), Madelyn, Alexandra, Rex, Owen, and Charli Grace; and his great-grandchildren, Salem, Asher, and Theo. He was preceded in death by his mother Victoria Sterban, brother Joseph Sterban, and grandson Zachary.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Rest in peace Richard.