The Bass Singer Behind the Deep-Voiced Refrain in The Oak Ridge Boys’ ‘Elvira’ Has Died at 83

The bass singer behind the deep-voiced refrain in The Oak Ridge Boys’ ‘Elvira’ has died at 83

He sang with the group for more than five decades after leaving his job as a backup singer for Elvis Presley. His family says he had been battling cancer.

Richard Sterban Dead: Oak Ridge Boys Singer Behind "Elvira" Was 83

Richard Sterban, the lead singer of the Oak Ridge Boys whose bass vocals brought 1981's "Elvira" cover to life, was 83.

Country icon, known for Elvira refrain, dead at 83

Richard Sterban, “The Oak Ridge Boys” base voice known for famous “Elvira” refrain, died Saturday in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at the age of 83.

Oak Ridge Boys' Richard Sterban, Voice Behind “Elvira,” Dead at 83: Country Legend Who Left Elvis Presley to Join the Group

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 18: (L-R) Richard Sterban, Tanya Tucker and William Lee Golden attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2026 Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 18, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) Richard Sterban, long-standing bass singer for beloved gospel quartet the Oak Ridge Boys, died today, Novembe…