Legendary Member Of The Oak Ridge Boys Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Oaks Ridge Boys member Richard Sterban announces cancer diagnosis (Photo Credit: Country Rebel)
The Oak Ridge Boys Originally Formed In 1943
The band was originally formed by Wally Fowler, Johnny New, Curly Kinsey, and Cat Freeman as Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers, but were eventually known as The Oak Ridge Quartet. In the 1950s, they became popular in the Southern gospel genre. By the 1960s, they officially changed their name to The Oak Ridge Boys.
The Oak Ridge Boys as we know it, with Duane Allen, Willian Golden, Joe Bonsall, and Richard Sterban, began in 1973. The quartet served as the longest-lasting lineup, performing together for 50 years, with the exception of Golden being replaced from 1987-1995.
This group gave us the iconic songs “I’ll Be True To You,” “Elvira,” and many more.
Sadly, this iconic quartet ended its 50-year run when Joe Bonsall retired due to his declining health in 2023. 29-year-old singer Ben James joined the iconic group in 2023 as they continued to tour.
Bonsall passed away on July 9, 2024 from a complications with ALS.
2025 American Made Farewell Tour
In the beginning of 2025, The Oak Ridge Boys embarked on their final tour, titled American Made Farewell Tour.
In June, The Oak Ridge Boys announced that Richard Sterban had two medical procedures and needed time to recover. Aaron McCune has been performing in his place.
On September 25, The Oak Ridge Boys Gave An Update On Richard’s Health
Richard has not been on the road since mid-May, and fans were wondering how he was doing following his procedures.
Sterban revealed, “In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this.”
In a post on Facebook, Sterban was quoted as saying, “I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers. Most days I’m feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months.”
We will be keeping Richard in our prayers!
