Legendary Bass Singer Richard Sterban Reflects on The Oak Ridge Boys’ Storied Legacy Ahead of Farewell Tour Stop
TAMA — As The Oak Ridge Boys continue their long-awaited farewell tour, legendary bass vocalist Richard Sterban took a moment to reflect on the group’s incredible journey. Set to perform a sold-out concert at Meskwaki Bingo Casino this Saturday night, Sterban shared memories of the band’s history and what continues to drive them after more than eight decades.
“I think what keeps us going is our love for what we do,” Sterban said. “Even though we’re calling this a farewell tour, we’re taking our time because we want to visit as many places as we can to thank the people who’ve supported us for so long. It’s been an amazing blessing.”
A Rich Musical Heritage
The Oak Ridge Boys trace their origins back to the early 1940s in Oak Ridge, Tennessee — the secret town built as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. Originally performing as Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers, the group entertained the workers and families who lived there. Before long, they renamed themselves The Oak Ridge Quartet in honor of the town.
Following the war, the group’s popularity grew, leading them to the stages of the Grand Ole Opry and eventually prompting a new generation of musicians to take the reins. In the 1960s, key members like William Lee Golden and Duane Allen joined, with Sterban making the leap from Elvis Presley’s backing group to The Oak Ridge Boys in 1972. Joe Bonsall, who sadly passed in 2023, completed the iconic lineup a year later.
“Each guy in this group has his own story,” Sterban noted. “We all ended up here because we were in the right place at the right time when changes happened.”
Farewell — But Not Goodbye
Despite being labeled a farewell tour, the group has no plans to rush their final curtain call. Due to overwhelming demand, they’ve been extending the tour, with dates already filling into 2025. Sterban said they see the shows as a way to honor not just fans, but also radio stations, journalists, and industry friends who have supported them through the decades.
They’re also hard at work preparing a Christmas tour, with the group’s newest member, 28-year-old Ben James, stepping into the tenor role once held by Bonsall. While joining a group of seasoned veterans might seem intimidating, Sterban said James has quickly won over both the band and their loyal audiences.
The Song That Changed Everything
Though The Oak Ridge Boys had been performing for years, their breakthrough into mainstream country music came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their 1981 album Fancy Free went double platinum and included the unforgettable hit Elvira — a song originally written by Dallas Frazier in the 1960s.
It was producer Ron Chancey who encouraged the group to give Elvira a shot, with Sterban’s now-famous “Giddy Up, Oom Papa Mow Mow” bass line adding a unique charm to the track. “I did it my own way, and I guess it turned out alright,” Sterban joked.
The track became a signature song for the band and remains a fan favorite to this day. Sterban admitted he still gets a kick out of watching audiences — especially the men — try to mimic his iconic bass line during live shows.
New Music, Same Values
Even with decades of hits behind them, The Oak Ridge Boys continue to record new material. Their latest album Mama’s Boys, produced by Dave Cobb, features songs dedicated to their mothers and includes a long-awaited collaboration with Willie Nelson.
“We’ve always tried to sing about good, wholesome things — songs that lift people’s spirits and help them forget their worries,” Sterban explained. “Elvira fits that perfectly, and this new album does too.”
A Night to Remember
Fans lucky enough to have tickets to Saturday’s sold-out show at Meskwaki can expect a night filled with timeless hits, heartfelt memories, and the unmistakable harmonies that have defined The Oak Ridge Boys for generations.
“We carry so much history with us every time we step onstage,” Sterban said. “And as long as people keep coming to hear us sing, we’re going to keep doing what we love.”