ESCANABA–Even after more than 45 years with The Oak Ridge Boys, Richard Sterban still gets excited every time he goes on stage. Sterban, who is the bass singer of the iconic gospel/country band, started singing in church choir in his home state of New Jersey.

“Believe it or not, I started out as a tenor singer,” laughed Sterban in a recent phone interview with the Daily Press.

The Oak Ridge Boys, who are currently on tour, will be one of the featured acts at this year’s Upper Peninsula State Fair Aug 14-20 in Escanaba. The Oak Ridge Boys will take the grandstand stage on Wed. Aug 16, at 8 p.m. and according to Sterban, it will be a show that shouldn’t be missed.

“We’re certainly looking forward to coming your way,” said Sterban, adding they have performed several times throughout the U.P., noting each show is family friendly and a good time.

The Oak Ridge Boys, known for their distinctive gospel country sound and the harmonies formed by the group’s four voices, have produced hits such as “Elvira,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “Thank God for Kids,” and many others.

Sterban said guests of the U.P. State Fair can expect to hear all of the hits, along with patriotic tunes, and gospel songs. The quartet consists of William Lee Golden, (baritone), Duane Allen (lead), Sterban, and Joe Bonsall (tenor).

Although Sterban wanted to pursue a career in baseball at first, he soon learned that music was his true passion. He notes that at the young age of six, he knew that he wanted to sing in front of people.

Recalling his first solo performance in church, Sterban said, although he couldn’t remember what song he sang, he remembers the feeling that singing and performing for crowd gave him.

“I was meant to sing in front of people,” said Sterban.

Before joining The Oak Ridge Boys, Sterban was part of another famous group, J.D. Summer and the Stamp Quartet, which led him to one of his career highlights: singing with Elvis Presley.

“I sang with The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” said Sterban. “I had the privilege and honor to do that.”

Most recently, Sterban authored a book sharing the stories of his days singing with Elvis, and what led to his decision to join The Oak Ridge Boys. Although the choice was a hard one to make, Sterban said he wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I’ve been very blessed with all these things,” said Sterban.

The day The Oak Ridge Boys perform in Escanaba will mark the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ death.

Along with Sterban, Steven Robinson, who Sterban refers to as one of the most knowledgeable Elvis historians he knows, co-authored the book, “From Elvis to Elvira,” which was released earlier this year.

“It’ll be a good read for any Elvis fan,” said Sterban. “It’s something I’m really proud of.”

The book can be purchased at The Oak Ridge Boys website, www.oakridgeboys.com, Amazon, or when the group comes to Escanaba in August.

On top of singing with The King himself, Sterban said another career highlight, not only for him but The Oak Ridge Boys, was being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

“It’s still difficult to describe how special that was,” said Sterban, adding The Oak Ridge Boys join the likes of other country legends such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and many others by being inducted.

“For The Oak Ridge Boys to be a part of that family is very special,” said Sterban.

Along with making their own hits, Sterban said The Oak Ridge Boys have teamed up with many country artists over the years to collaborate. Most recently, the quartet sang with country superstar Blake Shelton, with the song “Doing It to Country Songs.”

“It’s just a fun song,” said Sterban.

Shelton, a singer-songwriter and television personality, made his debut with the single “Austin” and has always been a huge fan of The Oak Ridge Boys, said Sterban, adding Shelton loves the old-style country.

“He’s a big fan of ours,” said Sterban. “He appreciates the old fashioned stuff.”

In 2016, The Oak Ridge Boys along with Shelton performed “Doin It to A Country Song” at CMA Music Fest in Nashville, Tenn. At the end of the song, The Oak Ridge Boys and Shelton joined together for a few lines of “Elvira,” which Sterban said was the highlight of the show.

“Everybody stood up and was singing along,” said Sterban. “It was a special moment for that TV show.”

Even though The Oak Ridge Boys have been together for many years, Sterban said at the end of the day, he hopes their music inspires their devoted audiences and fans.

“When we get on stage every night, you have no idea what the people are going through,” said Sterban. “To be able to get on stage for a short period of time and put them in an area in their mind, and they can escape for a while. We just think our music is important to all members of all audiences.”