Bass vocalist Richard Sterban’s first brush with fame came as a result of joining J.D. Sumner and the Stamps. The group backed Elvis Presley from 1971 until his death in 1977, though Sterban had left by 1972 to join country/gospel’s Oak Ridge Boys. His inimitable bass soon came to the fore – especially his immortal “papa oom mow mow” from “Elvira.” The band still performs across the world, including headlining this year’s TBN July 4th celebration.
The baseball enthusiast was a longtime part-owner of the minor league club the Nashville Sounds, and still serves as the team’s official ambassador and occasional color commentator. He’s also written a book about his life and career, From Elvis to Elvira.
Meanwhile, the Oak Ridge Boys took advantage of covid-related down time to record their latest project. Sterban says they “had to get in line” for producer Dave Cobb, who oversaw Chris Stapleton’s latest album. “He’s big on capturing the voices, keeping it basic,” Sterban added. “The title is Front Porch Singing, which will be out sometime next year.”
Richard Sterban joined us to discuss the albums that shaped his career – and what he’s listening to now:
ELVIS PRESLEY, “[NOW AND THEN THERE’S] A FOOL SUCH AS I” (1959): Elvis with Ray Walker – that one song made me want to sing just like Elvis. It’s pretty amazing. I was there [with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps] six months, and we got the gig with Elvis. I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Back then he was the biggest star. I have some very fond memories. He definitely influenced me.
J.D. SUMNER: While I was there, J.D. really influenced me. He was always the world’s lowest bass. He took me under his wing. The psychology of a bass singer, the bass approach is different. You have to be totally relaxed. If you’re uptight and worried about hitting the low notes, you never will. You have to be relaxed and confident.
ANNE MURRAY, “YOU NEEDED ME” (1978) AND “COULD I HAVE THIS DANCE” (1980): One of my favorite singers is Anne Murray. She has a silky smooth voice. “You Needed Me” really digs deep. “Can I Have This Dance?” the way she did it is one of the great love songs.
GEORGE JONES, “HE STOPPED LOVING HER TODAY” (1980): The first time I heard that was at a show in Illinois. He sang the song in the front of a bus with a guitar [before it was released or played it on stage]. It blew all four of us away.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO NOW: Chris Stapleton’s new album [Starting Over] was produced by Dave Cobb, who’s produced the last few Oak Ridge Boys albums. It’s a combination of Chris Stapleton and Dave Cobb: great songs, a great voice. On the CMA Awards Show, I thought Chris was one of the highlights. Listening to Chris here, you hear Dave Cobb’s influence. Dave likes to keep things simple, keep the voices out front. That’s why he is one of the most in-demand producers in Nashville. Before shows, [fellow Oak Ridge Boys singer] Joe [Bonsall] and I listened to Chris’s album in the bus.
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