Introduction
Richard Sterban Explains the Creation of the Oak Ridge Boys’ Hit Song, “Elvira”
When people think of The Oak Ridge Boys, one song almost always comes to mind: “Elvira.” With its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and unforgettable “oom poppa, oom poppa mow mow” bass line, it has become one of the most iconic songs in country music history. Recently, Richard Sterban—the legendary bass vocalist whose voice gave the track its unique identity—shared the story behind its creation and why it remains such a defining moment for the group.
Sterban began by recalling how “Elvira” wasn’t a brand-new song when the Oak Ridge Boys recorded it. “It was actually written back in the 1960s by Dallas Frazier,” he explained. “A few artists had tried their hand at it, but it never really broke through in a big way. It was a fun tune, but it hadn’t found its moment yet.” That moment came when the Oak Ridge Boys decided to put their own spin on it.
The group had already built a reputation for their gospel roots and crossover appeal, but by the early 1980s, they were looking for something that could elevate them to another level. When they heard “Elvira,” they knew it had potential—but it was Sterban’s bass that would become the song’s heartbeat. “Duane Allen suggested that I really lean into the bass vocal,” Sterban said. “When I did that ‘oom poppa mow mow’ part, it just clicked. It was playful, it was different, and it gave the song its hook.”
Recording the track in 1981, the group had no idea just how massive it would become. “We thought it was fun, but we never expected it to blow up the way it did,” Sterban admitted with a smile. The single shot up the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and crossing over into pop, peaking at No. 5 on the Hot 100. For a gospel-rooted quartet, that kind of mainstream success was unprecedented.
Sterban credits the song’s success to more than just a catchy bass line. “It had everything—great lyrics, a singalong chorus, and each of us had a chance to shine vocally. It wasn’t just one person’s song, it was all of ours. But of course, people remember that bass part, and I’m proud of that.”
Even today, more than 40 years after its release, “Elvira” continues to light up concert halls. “It’s the song fans expect,” Sterban noted. “We can sing twenty songs in a night, but if we don’t do ‘Elvira,’ people won’t let us leave the stage. And honestly, I still love singing it. It never gets old hearing a whole crowd shout along with us.”
Looking back, Sterban reflects on the song as a turning point in the Oak Ridge Boys’ career. “It changed everything. It opened doors, brought us to new audiences, and solidified our place in music history. All from a fun little song that almost got overlooked.”
For Richard Sterban, “Elvira” is more than just a hit—it’s a reminder of the power of music, timing, and the magic that can happen when a group finds its perfect sound.