Richard Sterban, the Oak Ridge Boys bass singer known for the “oom poppa mow mow” refrain on “Elvira,” has died at 83. His family and band announced that he died November 14, 2026, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, according to The Hollywood Reporter. SourceSource
The family and band attributed his death to complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after a battle with cancer. SourceSource
“We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers,” his family said in a statement carried by The Hollywood Reporter. Source
On “Elvira,” the bass voice was an attraction of its own. Sterban supplied the refrain on the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1981 cover of Dallas Frazier’s song. The recording reached No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on the pop chart, sold more than two million copies and won a Grammy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. SourceSource
Born April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban began singing at six in Sunday school—as a soprano. By eighth grade, his voice had dropped to bass. He later studied music at Trenton State College. Source
Before joining the Oak Ridge Boys, he sang with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, backing Elvis Presley on tour and appearing in the 1972 concert film Elvis on Tour. He joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972 after Noel Fox’s departure. Joe Bonsall joined the following year, completing the long-running lineup with lead singer Duane Allen and baritone William Lee Golden. SourceSource
The Oak Ridge Boys were also known for “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made.” The group entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and also became members of the Grand Ole Opry and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. SourceSource
Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young called Sterban “a musical bridge builder” in a tribute. “He used his unmistakable bass voice to connect commercial country music to its deep gospel roots,” Young wrote. Source
Sterban stepped away from touring for health reasons in May 2025 but returned to sing “Elvira” with the group at the Grand Ole Opry in January 2026, Deadline reported. Source
He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Lauren and Tori; sons Rich, Doug and Chris; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Variety’s November 14 report said funeral arrangements would be announced later. Source
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