Richard Sterban is an iconic name in American country and gospel music, best known as the deep bass voice behind the legendary group The Oak Ridge Boys. With a career spanning more than five decades, Sterban has built not only a powerful musical legacy but also a solid financial standing. As of 2026, Richard Sterban’s net worth reflects years of consistent success in the music industry, driven by record sales, live performances, and long-term association with one of the most respected vocal groups in history.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, Richard Sterban discovered his passion for singing at a very young age through church performances. Over time, his unique bass voice became his identity, especially after the massive success of the hit song “Elvira,” which remains one of the most recognizable country tracks ever recorded. Beyond music, fans are also curious about Richard Sterban’s age, personal life, wife, family, and how his career choices contributed to his overall wealth.
This article explores Richard Sterban’s net worth in 2026, along with authentic insights into his age, marriage, and professional journey. The focus is on real achievements, long-term credibility, and experience-based information that highlights why Sterban continues to be a respected figure in the world of country and gospel music.
What is Richard Sterban’s net worth?
Richard Sterban’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2026.
He earned most of his wealth through his long and successful career as the bass singer of The Oak Ridge Boys, including income from record sales, worldwide tours, live performances, royalties, and music-related projects. His decades-long presence in the country and gospel music industry, along with continued performances, has played a major role in building and maintaining his net worth.
Richard Sterban Net Worth
| Category | Details |
| Name | Richard Sterban |
| Profession | Bass Singer, Musician |
| Famous For | The Oak Ridge Boys, “Elvira” |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approximately $5 million |
| Primary Income Source | Music career, live tours |
| Other Income Sources | Royalties, album sales, book sales |
| Years Active | Over 50 years |
| Nationality | American |
Wife & Children
Richard Sterban is married to Donna Sterban, and the couple has shared a long-lasting and supportive relationship. Despite his busy career with The Oak Ridge Boys, Richard has always placed strong value on family life and personal stability, keeping his private life mostly away from the public spotlight.
From a previous marriage, Richard Sterban has three sons — Chris, Doug, and Rich. With his wife Donna, he is also the proud father of two daughters, Tori and Lauren. Over the years, Sterban has often spoken about the importance of family as a grounding force throughout his decades-long music career.
His role as a husband and father has remained an essential part of his life, balancing fame, touring, and professional success with strong family values.
The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys are one of the most successful and enduring vocal groups in American music history, with roots that trace back to the 1940s. Known for blending country, gospel, and vocal harmony, the group built a reputation for powerful performances and timeless songs. Richard Sterban joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, becoming the group’s signature bass singer after the departure of Douglas “Noel” Fox.
Sterban’s deep bass voice quickly became a defining element of the group’s sound, especially on their biggest hit, “Elvira.” His memorable bass line helped turn the song into a chart-topping success and a lasting classic. Alongside fellow members William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, and Duane Allen, Richard contributed to the group’s long-term success through consistent touring, multiple album releases, and a strong connection with fans.
Over the decades, the Oak Ridge Boys earned widespread recognition, including inductions into major music halls of fame and respect across both the country and gospel music communities. Their longevity is often credited to musical adaptability, strong friendships within the group, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality vocal performances—qualities that Richard Sterban has embodied throughout his career.
Richard Sterban’s Age & Career
Richard Sterban was born on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey. As of 2026, he is 82 years old. From an early age, Sterban showed a natural interest in music, first singing in church as a child. What began as a boy soprano role eventually developed into one of the most recognizable bass voices in country and gospel music.
Sterban’s professional career took shape in his early adulthood when he joined J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, a gospel group best known for performing as backup singers for Elvis Presley. This period proved to be a turning point, giving him national exposure and invaluable stage experience while touring with one of the biggest music icons in history.
In 1972, Richard Sterban joined The Oak Ridge Boys, a move that defined the rest of his career. His powerful bass vocals became a core part of the group’s identity, especially during their peak success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over the decades, Sterban remained an active performer, recording artist, and touring musician, contributing to the group’s lasting popularity and commercial success. His career stands as a testament to consistency, experience, and long-term excellence in the music industry.
Early Life & Education
Richard Sterban was born on April 24, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, as Richard Anthony Sterban. From a very young age, he showed a strong passion for music, singing in church as a boy soprano when he was only six years old. This early experience left a lasting impression on him, and Sterban later described it as the moment he realized his calling in life was to perform music.
He grew up in a supportive family environment and attended Collingswood High School, where he continued to nurture his singing abilities. After high school, Richard furthered his education at Trenton State College. While academics were important, music remained his primary focus, and he often balanced school with performing in local choirs and small ensembles.
These formative years helped shape Sterban’s distinctive bass voice, which would eventually become his trademark. The combination of early musical training, dedication, and exposure to church and community performances laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career in country and gospel music.
Books & Media Appearances
Apart from his long-standing music career, Richard Sterban has also shared his experiences and stories through books and media projects, giving fans a closer look at his life both on and off the stage. In 2012, he released his memoir titled “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life on Stage,” which chronicles his journey from singing in church as a child to performing with Elvis Presley and later joining The Oak Ridge Boys. The book is filled with personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on his decades in the music industry.
Sterban has also appeared in several documentaries and television programs that highlight his contributions to music. Notably, he featured in “He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley,” a documentary that explores Elvis’s gospel roots and the musicians who shaped his sound. Over the years, Sterban has made guest appearances on award shows, music specials, and interviews, often sharing his unique perspective on country music, gospel, and the evolution of The Oak Ridge Boys.
Through these books and media appearances, Richard Sterban has extended his influence beyond the stage, connecting with fans and preserving the history of his remarkable musical journey.
Interesting Facts About Richard Sterban
Richard Sterban’s life and career are full of fascinating details that go beyond his iconic bass voice. Here are some interesting facts that fans and music enthusiasts may find surprising:
- Started Singing as a Boy Soprano – Before becoming the deep bass singer everyone knows, Richard began singing in church as a boy soprano at just six years old.
- Performed with Elvis Presley – Early in his career, Sterban sang backup with J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, which opened the door for him to tour and perform alongside Elvis Presley, one of the biggest music legends in history.
- Iconic Bass Solo in “Elvira” – His signature bass line in The Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Elvira” is instantly recognizable and is often credited with helping the song become a country music classic.
- Longevity in Music – Sterban has been a professional singer for over 50 years, a rare achievement that highlights both talent and adaptability in the music industry.
- Family-Oriented Life – Despite fame, he has maintained a strong family life, raising three sons from a previous marriage and two daughters with his wife, Donna Sterban.
- Hall of Fame Inductions – Richard and The Oak Ridge Boys have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, reflecting their influence and lasting contribution to American music.
- Author and Storyteller – His memoir, “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life on Stage,” is not just a biography but a collection of fun, personal stories that give fans an insider view of touring, recording, and performing with legendary artists.
- Charity and Community Work – Beyond music, Sterban and the Oak Ridge Boys have participated in initiatives like raising awareness about elder fraud, showing his commitment to giving back to the community.
These facts highlight not only Sterban’s professional achievements but also his personal character, family values, and enduring legacy in the world of country and gospel music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Sterban’s net worth?
Richard Sterban’s net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2026.
How old is Richard Sterban?
He is 82 years old, born on April 24, 1943.
Who is Richard Sterban’s wife?
He is married to Donna Sterban.
Which group is Richard Sterban famous for?
He is best known as the bass singer of The Oak Ridge Boys.
Did Richard Sterban perform with Elvis Presley?
Yes, he sang backup with Elvis Presley while in J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet.
Conclusion
Richard Sterban’s journey from a young church singer in Camden, New Jersey, to the iconic bass voice of The Oak Ridge Boys is a story of talent, dedication, and longevity. With a career spanning over five decades, he has contributed to some of country and gospel music’s most memorable songs, including the timeless hit “Elvira.”
Beyond his musical achievements, Sterban has built a net worth of approximately $5 million, reflecting decades of touring, album sales, and royalties. He has also balanced his professional life with a strong commitment to family, raising children from his previous marriage and with his wife Donna Sterban.
Through books, media appearances, and philanthropic efforts, Richard Sterban has shared his experiences and preserved the legacy of his remarkable career. Today, he remains not only a celebrated musician but also a respected figure whose influence on country and gospel music continues to inspire both fans and fellow artists.
