The Statler Brothers facts for kids

The Statler Brothers were a popular American music group. They were known for singing country, gospel, and pop songs. Sometimes people just called them The Statlers. This group was a quartet, meaning it had four singers. They started making music together in 1955.

Who Were The Statler Brothers?

The group was made up of four main members. Don Reid sang the main melody, called lead. His older brother, Harold Reid, sang the very low parts, known as bass. Phil Balsley sang the middle-range parts, called baritone. Lew DeWitt sang the high parts, known as tenor, and also played the guitar.

Early Days and Johnny Cash

The Statler Brothers began by performing in their local area. In 1964, they got a big break. They started singing backup for the famous musician Johnny Cash. They toured and performed with him for eight years. This helped them become very well-known in the music world. They stopped singing with Johnny Cash in 1972 to focus on their own music.

Changes in the Group

In 1983, Lew DeWitt had to leave the group because he was not well. He was replaced by a new singer named Jimmy Fortune. Jimmy Fortune took over the tenor singing part. Lew DeWitt continued to sing on his own for a while. He passed away on August 15, 1990. Harold Reid, the bass singer, also passed away on April 24, 2020.

Their Music Style

The Statler Brothers were famous for their smooth singing. They blended different styles of music. Their songs often told stories. They were especially loved for their country and gospel music. They also sang traditional pop songs. Their music was enjoyed by many people for several decades.