Vince Gill’s Emotional “Elvira” Tribute With the Oak Ridge Boys Is Even More Heartbreaking Now — Richard Sterban Dies at 83

Country music is mourning another beloved voice. Richard Sterban, the legendary bass singer of The Oak Ridge Boys and the unmistakable voice behind one of the most recognizable parts of their hit song “Elvira,” has died at the age of 83.

The group announced his passing on Saturday, November 14, sharing the heartbreaking news with fans and remembering Sterban as a beloved partner and brother.

His death makes an already emotional performance from the Grand Ole Opry even more meaningful. In July 2024, after the passing of fellow Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall, Vince Gill welcomed Sterban and Duane Allen onstage for a special rendition of “Elvira” in Joe’s memory.

Today, that beautiful tribute carries an even deeper meaning.

Richard Sterban Was the Unmistakable Voice Behind “Elvira”

Sterban spent more than five decades with The Oak Ridge Boys, joining the group in 1972 and helping create the distinctive sound that made the quartet one of country and gospel music’s most successful acts.

Fans will forever recognize his deep bass voice in the famous “Elvira” refrain:

“Giddyup, ba oom, papa oom, papa mow mow.”

Released in 1981, “Elvira” became the group’s signature hit, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Before joining The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban performed with the Stamps Quartet, the gospel group that sang backup for Elvis Presley. His remarkable career eventually earned him and his bandmates a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

According to the band’s announcement, Sterban died in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia following a long battle with cancer. <Cite refs={[“turn123662news12″,”turn123662search0”]}/>

Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys Honored Joe Bonsall With “Elvira”

In July 2024, the country music community was grieving the loss of Joe Bonsall, who had spent 50 years as the Oak Ridge Boys’ tenor singer. Bonsall passed away on July 9, 2024, following complications associated with ALS.

Vince Gill, who had been friends with Bonsall for 42 years, honored him at the Grand Ole Opry with a series of heartfelt performances.

A few days later, on July 13, Gill returned to the stage for another special tribute. This time, he was joined by two of Joe’s longtime bandmates, Richard Sterban and Duane Allen.

Together, they performed “Elvira,” the song that had become one of the Oak Ridge Boys’ most beloved classics.

Joe’s wife, daughters, and grandchildren were present for the emotional evening, making the tribute even more personal.

The Grand Ole Opry shared photographs from the performance and remembered Bonsall with a heartfelt message:

“We miss you already, Joe!”

A Performance That Means Even More Today

Country radio personality Chaston Tavares shared footage of the special performance, explaining how Vince Gill invited Joe’s family onto the stage before bringing out Sterban and Allen.

What followed was a joyful rendition of “Elvira,” filled with memories of the friend and bandmate they had lost.

At the time, it was a celebration of Joe Bonsall’s life and the music he helped create. Now, following Richard Sterban’s passing, watching the three musicians together carries another layer of emotion.

Two of the voices that helped make the Oak Ridge Boys’ music so special are now gone, but the memories of their time together remain.

Richard Sterban’s Voice Will Never Be Forgotten

Richard Sterban was more than the deep voice behind a famous musical phrase. He was part of a group that brought country and gospel music to millions of listeners, earning five Grammy Awards and a lasting place in music history.

His unmistakable bass voice helped define “Elvira,” and his friendship with Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, and the many artists who shared his journey will remain part of his legacy.

The performance with Vince Gill is now a particularly touching reminder of the friendships behind the music.

Watch Vince Gill, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen perform “Elvira” in honor of Joe Bonsall. It is a beautiful moment that country music fans will treasure even more today.