Grammy-Winning Singer Dies at 83

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Get full access to The Daily Beast for $1 The bass singer also sang backup vocals for Elvis Presley and Paul Simon. Paul Natkin/Paul Natkin, Richard Sterban, the booming bass…

Richard Sterban, the booming bass voice behind the Oak Ridge Boys’ iconic “oom-papa-mow-mow” refrain in their 1981 hit “Elvira,” has died at 83. Sterban’s family announced that the singer died Saturday at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. “We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers,” the family said in a statement. “Please continue to lift us up in this difficult time; we find comfort knowing that he is currently face to face with Jesus.” Sterban joined the country vocal quartet in 1972 and helped propel the group to mainstream success.

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