Richard Sterban, Iconic Bass Singer For The Oak Ridge Boys, Reveals He’s Been Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

Really hate to hear this one…

Richard Sterban may have one of the most iconic voices in country music. Even if you’re not familiar with the name, you’re no doubt familiar with his voice in his role as the bass singer for the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.

Sterban’s famous “oom papa mow mow” in “Elvira” may be one of the most recognizable lines in country music, something everybody tries to imitate but few if any can ever match. But Sterban has missed several performances with the group, last appearing onstage with the Oaks during the Academy of Country Music Awards back in May to present the award for Group of the Year.

And today, Sterban provided an update for fans wondering where he’s been.

The 82-year old Sterban announced today that he’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, forcing him to take time away from the group:

“In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 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.”

I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers. Most days I’m feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months.”

The iconic bass singer has been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys since 1972. Before that, he lent his silky smooth voice to J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, the backing group for Elvis Presley from 1971 until his death in 1977.

Sterban has five children, including two daughters with his current wife Donna. Aside from being a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, he’s also used his deep voice to record public service announcements for NOAA Weather Radio, and served as the voice for The Roadhouse on Sirius XM. While he may be best known for his iconic line in “Elvira,” he’s also taken the lead on various Oak Ridge Boys songs over the years, including one of my personal favorites from the group, “Dream On.”

Since stepping back from touring, Sterban has been replaced on the road by Aaron McCune, the bass vocalist for Dailey & Vincent, and Tim Duncan, the bass singer for gospel group Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.

The Oak Ridge Boys have continued on tour since the passing of Joe Bonsall last year, with Ben James replacing the longtime tenor singer.

The group that would become the Oak Ridge Boys has been around since 1941, when the quartet out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee got their start as Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers. But because they were often asked to sing for service members and their families at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the group changed their name to the Oak Ridge Quartet before becoming the Oak Ridge Boys in 1961.

The current lineup of the Oaks was completed in 1973, and for the last 50 years has featured lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden (and his iconic beard), and bass Richard Sterban.

Over the past 50 years The Oak Ridge Boys have become icons of country music with hits like “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” “Fancy Free,” and of course their biggest hit, “Elvira.” And they’ve also become well known for the mark they’ve left on the gospel world, having even performed “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of President George H.W. Bush back in 2018.The post Richard Sterban, Iconic Bass Singer For The Oak Ridge Boys, Reveals He’s Been Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer first appeared on Whiskey Riff.