Richard Sterban, member of the celebrated country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 83

Richard Sterban, a renowned bass vocalist and founding member of the Grammy-winning gospel quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away at the age of 83. Sterban, who joined the group in 1972, had been battling cancer and complications from bronchitis before his death in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The group, best known for their rendition of "Elvira," had won five Grammy awards and were nominated 23 times.

They performed for numerous high-profile events, including appearances with presidents, American Bandstand, the Grammy Awards, and the Grand Ole Opry. Sterban toured with the band until 2025, when his health began to decline. The Oak Ridge Boys, along with Sterban and the band's three other members, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young praised Sterban for his "unmistakable bass voice" that helped connect commercial country music to its deep gospel roots, stating that he was a "steady force and a foundational figure in country music." Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, four children, and 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.