
Most people would not guess from his slightly southern drawl that Richard Sterban, bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys, is orginally from Camden, New Jersey. Sterban said he eventually lost his Jersey accent after spending enough time in Nashville. Last October, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, and he recently published a book about his career, From Elvis to Elvira: My Life On Stage.
Sterban began singing as a youngster in Sunday School at his church. In seventh grade, he was a tenor in the glee club, but he said when he returned in the fall for eighth grade, he had become a bass! He would go on to be well known for the extremely low notes he is able to perform.
In this week’s episode of Watching America, Sterban talks with host Dr. Alan Campbell about his beginnings as a Gospel quartet singer, his time performing with Elvis, his love of fine wine and sailing, and his long history as part of the Oak Ridge Boys. Along the way he shares stories from his time on the road, many of which are probably not well known.
A few highlights from the episode:
- What was the original inspiration for the hit song Elvira? Hint: it wasn’t a woman.
- Which well known singer encouraged the group to stick it out when they were questioning their future in the business.
- Advice from his 34 years of marriage.
Join us to hear him recount his journey from a background singer to singing center stage with one of the most well-known quartets in music history.
“When I was in my 20s and I was a young man singng with Elvis I was in the dark, in the background, singing harmonies,” Sterban explained. “I had no idea I would be there one day in the Hall of Fame with Elvis—and not just me personally but each of the Oak Ridge Boys.“
He said he relishes every memory he has made and looks forward to making many more.
“There is not a higher honor if you are singing country music than to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” he said. “We are also in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with Elvis as well, so that’s also a very special thing for the Oak Ridge Boys.”
You can find Sterban at richardsterban.com, and keep up with The Oak Ridge Boys at oakridgeboys.com.