Oak Ridge Boys Legend Richard Sterban Dies At 83
on • Updated
Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban Dies At 83
Richard Sterban, longtime bass singer for the legendary country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, has died. He was 83.
Sterban passed away Saturday, November 14, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, following complications from bronchitis and pneumonia. His death came after a long and difficult battle with cancer, according to a press release.
Before joining The Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, Sterban performed as a member of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, where he had the opportunity to sing backup for Elvis Presley. He also appeared in the 1972 documentary Elvis on Tour.
Alongside lead singer Duane Allen, baritone William Lee Golden and tenor Joe Bonsall, Sterban helped transform The Oak Ridge Boys from a Southern gospel quartet into one of country music’s most successful vocal groups.
In September 2025, Sterban revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March of that year. He temporarily stepped away from touring to focus on his treatment and recovery.
Earlier this year, Sterban made an emotional return to the stage, reuniting with his fellow Oak Ridge Boys members during performances at the Grand Ole Opry.
Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, five children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Victoria; his brother, Joseph; and his grandson, Zachary.
You can watch The Oak Ridge Boys perform “Elvira” below.
