Today, Matt welcomes 1/4th of one of the most legendary vocal quartets in music history, Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys.
The group will appear at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Long Island this Thursday, May 17th. Tickets are available at the theatre’s website by clicking here.
Richard Sterban’s career as a bass singer kicked off with a stint with the Stamps Quartet, spending about a year and a half of his association with JD Sumner’s Gospel group singing backup for the King, Elvis Presley himself! This association would lead Sterban-and his amazing voice-on a career that would land him with the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972. If you do the math, he’s been with the group for the better part of half a century.
Though the band, consisting of members Sterban, Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden are into their 5th decade performing together, they are not resting on their laurels by any means. This past March, the group released 17th Avenue Revival, an album that takes the Oaks back to their gospel roots while also blending in that traditional country sound for which they are known. Sterban explains Revival’s title for us today. It’s an interesting story, having to do with the legacy of the studio where the album was recorded.
On the personal side, Sterban has authored a book, 2013’s From Elvis To Elvira: My Life on Stage, co-written with Steven Robinson. These stories are told in a way that will keep you turning the page and on the edge of your seat. Click here to buy his memoir. To visit the Oak Ridge Boys’ official website, click here. Check out their new album, 17th Avenue Revival, here on Amazon Music.
Mr. Sterban and Matt delve deep into Richard’s career personally, and what it means to be touring with the same group for over 45 years. They discuss family, music, and the influential role Sterban’s Christian upbringing had on his music.
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