Richard Sterban, the Oak Ridge Boys’ celebrated bass singer whose signature “oom-papa-oom-papa-mow-mow” refrain helped define the group’s 1981 hit “Elvira,” has died at 83.
Sterban died Saturday in Henderson, Tennessee, after suffering “complications from bronchitis and pneumonia” while battling cancer for an extended period, the band and his family said in a press release.
The Oak Ridge Boys announced the news on Facebook, writing: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our partner and brother, Richard Sterban.”
“We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers. Please continue to lift us up in this difficult time. We find comfort knowing that he is currently face to face with Jesus.”
Sterban revealed in September 2025 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March of that year. The health update was shared through The Oak Ridge Boys’ website.
“In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Sterban wrote on the band’s website. “But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this.”
Oak Ridge Boys bass singer Richard Sterban has died at 83 after suffering “complications from bronchitis and pneumonia” during a prolonged battle with cancer, his family and bandmates said. Sterban is pictured in 2023.
The New Jersey native became synonymous with the “oom-papa-oom-papa-mow-mow” bass line in the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1981 chart-topper “Elvira.” From left: Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Sterban in 1982.
“Most days I’m feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months,” he added at the time.
Known for his remarkably deep voice, Sterban also lent his talents to recordings and performances with music legends including Elvis Presley and Paul Simon.
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, he sang bass with JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Presley hired the group in 1971, and Sterban performed alongside the rock ’n’ roll icon onstage and in the concert film “Elvis on Tour.” He also sang on Presley’s track “Burning Love.”
Soon afterward, Sterban accepted an offer to become the Oak Ridge Boys’ bass singer.
His powerful low register became a defining element of the group’s sound as the band scored 17 No. 1 country hits and 34 Top 10 singles.
The group’s successes included “Dream On” (1979), a cover of the Righteous Brothers’ hit; “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” (1979); “Elvira” (1981), featuring Sterban’s instantly recognizable bass refrain; “Bobbie Sue” (1982); “American Made” (1983); and “It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)” (1984), among many others.
Sterban and his bandmates also provided backing vocals on Simon’s 1977 hit “Slip Slidin’ Away.”
In August 2011, Sterban and the other Oak Ridge Boys—Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall and William Lee Golden—were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Sterban’s deep bass voice led to prominent collaborations with artists including Elvis Presley and Paul Simon. He is pictured in 2000.
Sterban entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 alongside his Oak Ridge Boys bandmates.
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, Sterban performed with Elvis Presley onstage and in “Elvis on Tour” as a member of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. He is pictured in 2012.
Sterban joined the other Oak Ridge Boys in the Grand Ole Opry in August 2011. From left: Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Sterban at the 1982 Grammys.
“We’ve had a very good year, and being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on August 6 was the highlight,” Sterban said in an interview published by MLive.
“It was a memorable evening, and three months later, I think it’s affected us more than we anticipated. It’s been very emotional, a tremendous honor.”
In an interview with The Canton Repository, he recalled: “We were totally shocked. We had been friends of the Opry for years and always wanted to be members. For this to finally happen, it was like a dream come true.”
The singer and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Over the course of his career, Sterban performed for several U.S. presidents with the Oak Ridge Boys. In December 2018, he sang “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban grew up in nearby Collingswood. After graduating from high school, he attended Trenton State College—now The College of New Jersey—where he studied music.
He left college in the early 1960s to pursue singing professionally.
Early in his career, Sterban helped found the gospel quartet the Keystones.
Sterban’s final stage appearance came in January at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, where he reunited with the Oak Ridge Boys for a performance of “Elvira.” The band is pictured in 2015.
Sterban is survived by his wife, Donna, their two daughters and three sons from his first marriage. He and Donna are pictured in 2024.
During breaks from touring, Sterban also recorded public-service announcements for NOAA Weather Radio.
He became the official voice of The Roadhouse, a classic-country channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, before the service merged with Willie’s Place.
Sterban toured with the Oak Ridge Boys for more than five decades before his cancer diagnosis forced him to take an extended medical leave.
His final performances took place January 30 and 31 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
During those appearances, he joined the Oak Ridge Boys for their signature song “Elvira,” earning standing ovations from the audience.
Sterban is survived by his second wife, Donna Lynn Summers, and their daughters, Lauren Nicole and Victoria Grace.
He also leaves three sons—Richard, Christopher and Douglas—from his first marriage to Sandra Bertha Wilson.
