Richard Sterban, bass vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys, has died.

American musician Richard Sterban, who for decades performed bass parts in the country quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, has died at the age of 83. This was reported on November 15 by Page Six, referring to the statement of the artist's relatives and representatives of the musical group.

"Sterban died on Saturday (November 14th. — Ed.) at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after a long battle with cancer," the publication says.

The musician became widely known for his deep bass, which became one of the distinctive features of The Oak Ridge Boys' sound. The band's special popularity was brought by the composition Elvira, which was remembered by listeners for the characteristic vocal part of Sterban.

Over the years, the quartet has repeatedly topped the American country charts and been awarded five Grammy Awards. In 2015, The Oak Ridge Boys were honored by being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Richard Sterban was born on April 24, 1943 in Camden, New Jersey, USA. From a young age, he was interested in music and began his professional career in gospel bands. In the early 1970s, the singer performed with Elvis Presley as part of the J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. In 1972, Sterban joined The Oak Ridge Boys.