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Richard Sterban, the celebrated bass singer of the Oak Ridge Boys, died on Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 83. His death followed complications from bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer.
Both his family and the band confirmed the news. “We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers,” his family wrote in a statement. “Please continue to lift us up in this difficult time. We find comfort knowing that he is currently face to face with Jesus.”
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A Career Built on Harmony
Sterban joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, stepping in as bass singer after Noel Fox departed the group. Alongside lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden, and tenor Joe Bonsall, he completed the band’s signature four-part harmony lineup. His deep, resonant voice became the foundation of their sound, most famously on the country classic “Elvira.”
Together, the Oak Ridge Boys placed 34 singles in the country Top 10, with 17 reaching number one. The group earned Grammy, Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music awards. They also earned membership in the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Roots in Gospel Music
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban helped found the Keystones, a gospel quartet. He later joined J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. During that period, Elvis Presley hired the group to perform behind him for roughly a year and a half.
Sterban was born on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey. He began singing at age six in Sunday school and later sang tenor in his seventh-grade glee club. After graduating from Collingswood High School, he studied music at Trenton State College.
Survived by Family
Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children: daughters Lauren and Tori, and sons Rich, Doug, and Chris. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren — Mali, Nikolas, Tyler, Madelyn, Alexandra, Rex, Owen, and Charli Grace — as well as three great-grandchildren, Salem, Asher, and Theo.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Victoria, his brother, Joseph, and his grandson, Zachary. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
