Richard Sterban, the Grammy-winning bass singer with the Oak Ridge Boys, has died aged 83, the group and his family have announced.
Sterban died on Saturday from complications related to bronchitis and pneumonia following a cancer diagnosis.
He was best known for his distinctive contribution to the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1981 hit “Elvira”, including the song’s memorable “oom poppa mow mow” refrain.
Sterban’s career also saw him perform alongside some of the biggest names in American music. He sang backing vocals for Elvis Presley during concerts at Madison Square Garden and in Las Vegas, and toured with Johnny Cash as part of the Oak Ridge Boys.
The singer became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Oak Ridge Boys performed for five US presidents during their career. They also sang at the funeral of President George H. W. Bush in December 2018.
