Richard Sterban, Oak Ridge Boys Bass Singer Who Helped Make ‘Elvira’ a Hit, Dies at 83
Known for his signature "oom poppa, mow mow" bass line on "Elvira," Sterban had 17 No. 1s on the Hot Country Songs chart with The Oak Ridge Boys, plus two top 40 hits on the all-genre Hot 100.
Richard Sterban, the iconic bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on November 14 at the age of 83. Sterban, a member of the group since 1972, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2025. He faced a long battle with bronchitis and pneumonia, which ultimately led to his death at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Sterban's distinctive "oom poppa, mow mow" vocals were a defining feature of The Oak Ridge Boys' hit "Elvira," which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. Throughout his 50-year career with the group, Sterban won five Grammy Awards, including the album of the year award for "Elvira." He was also inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, including the Grammys, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Richard Sterban Dies: Oak Ridge Boys Bass Singer Behind “Elvira” Riff Was 83 deadline.com
- Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban, Whose Distinctive Bass Voice Powered ‘Elvira’ and Other Country Smashes, Dies at 83 variety.com
- Richard Sterban, Oak Ridge Boys’ Bass Singer, Dies at 83 hollywoodreporter.com
- Richard Sterban, the Bass Singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, Dies at 83 nytimes.com
