The OAK RIDGE BOYS are a country and gospel vocal quartet that originated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet and became popular in Southern gospel during the 50s. Their name was changed to the Oak Ridge Boys in the early 60s, and they remained a gospel group until the mid-1970s, when they changed their image and concentrated on country music. The band produced some incredible country and crossover hits – the biggest of which was 1981’s Elvira - which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

RICHARD STERBAN is best known for his immortal lyric: “oom-pa-pa-oom-pa-pa-mow-mow." He’s the guy who gives “Elvira” its deep-voiced juice. Richard began his singing career as a six-year-old soprano in Sunday school. He was a tenor in the in the seventh grade but when he returned the following year for eighth grade, he was a bass!

Prior to joining The Oak Ridge Boys in 1972, Richard sang with various groups including singing back up for ELVIS. Faced with the difficult decision to stay with Elvis or join The Oak Ridge Boys, Richard chose The Oaks. His new book, From Elvis to Elvira includes many great stories about Elvis and stories about The Oak Ridge Boys that have never been told. In this episode, Richard Sterban talks to me about Elvis, Elvira, the late President George W Bush and Johnny Cash.

I hope you enjoy the chat!

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To learn more about The Oak Ridge Boys - https://www.oakridgeboys.com/

Find out more about Richard and the book- http://www.richardsterban.com/rs/home.html