Richard Sterban

Who is Richard Sterban?

Richard Anthony Sterban is an American bass singer born in Camden, New Jersey, who joined the country and gospel quartet The Oak Ridge Boys in 1972. Prior to joining The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban toured with J. D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, who were singing backup for Elvis Presley at that time. Sterban ultimately became famous for his "oom-pa-pa-oom-pa-pa-mau-mau" bass solo in the Oak Ridge Boys' 1981 single "Elvira".

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Sterban grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey, After graduating from Collingswood High School, Sterban moved on to Trenton State College.

He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife, Donna, and two daughters, Lauren and Tori. Richard also has three sons from a previous marriage: Rich, Doug and Chris; and several grandchildren including Tyler Sterban.

Sterban has recorded public service announcements for NOAA Weather Radio. He served as the voice of The Roadhouse, the classic country Sirius Satellite Radio channel. Sterban was a minority owner of the Nashville Sounds minor league baseball team, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, from 1978 to 2008.