Unfortunate news from country music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys. Richard Sterban, the legendary bass singer for the band, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sterban, whose voice has been an integral part of the band since 1972, said in a statement yesterday, “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. 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.” Sterban’s voice is iconic both in country music and in pop music as well: his “papa-oom-mow-mow” was heard all over Top 40 radio in 1981 when “Elvira” became a surprise Top Five pop smash.