Richard Sterban Death: Oak Ridge Boys Bass Singer Dies at 83
Death and family statement
Sterban died Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at age 83. His family and the Oak Ridge Boys said he died from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after battling cancer.
In a statement, Sterban’s family thanked supporters for their love, support and prayers. The family said it found comfort in believing he was face to face with Jesus.
A musical path from childhood
Born April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban began singing at age 6 in Sunday school as a soprano. His voice dropped to bass in eighth grade, after he had sung tenor in his seventh-grade glee club.
He studied music at Trenton State College, now the College of New Jersey, and sang in a gospel quartet. There he met Joe Bonsall, who later became his bandmate in the Oak Ridge Boys.
From Elvis to the Oak Ridge Boys
After Noel Fox left the Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban accepted an offer to join in 1972. Bonsall joined the following year, alongside Duane Allen and William Lee Golden. The group’s core lineup continued for five decades.
Hits and lasting recognition
The Oak Ridge Boys performed with Johnny Cash, who helped them sign with Columbia Records in 1973. Their success grew with “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” which reached No. 3 on the country chart in 1977, followed by “I’ll Be True to You,” their first No. 1 song.
Key points
- Richard Sterban died at 83 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, after battling cancer.
- His family and the Oak Ridge Boys cited complications from bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Sterban’s bass refrain featured prominently on the Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Elvira.”
- He sang with Elvis Presley and spent five decades with the Oak Ridge Boys.