New Delhi, Nov. 15 -- Richard Sterban, the Oak Ridge Boys bass singer whose distinctive voice helped turn "Elvira" into a crossover hit, died November 14 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 83.

His family and the band said he died from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia after a long battle with cancer, the Associated Press reported. Hendersonville had been his home for more than 50 years, according to FOX 17 Nashville.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our partner and brother, Richard Sterban," the group wrote on Facebook in an announcement reported by FOX 17.

Sterban joined the quartet in 1972 and remained a familiar presence through decades of recording and touring, before health problems forced him to ...