Who were the 4 original Statler Brothers?
In the early 1960s, the group coalesced around the talents of four Virginians: Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, and Harold’s brother, Don Reid. Harold Reid, DeWitt, Balsley, and Joe McDorman had worked in a Staunton, Virginia high school group called the Four Star Quartet, making their first appearance in 1955.
What happened to the 4th Statler Brothers?
The Statler Brothers finished a final tour and retired from performing as a group with a final show on October 26, 2002. Jimmy Fortune continues to tour and record as a solo act. Harold, Don, and Phil are home in their beloved Staunton, Virginia.
Who are the remaining Statler Brothers?
Only two of The Statler Brothers were actual siblings: Reid and younger brother Don Reid (now 74). Phil Balsley and Lew DeWitt rounded out the quartet. Due to illness, DeWitt was replaced by Jimmy Fortune in 1982. DeWitt passed away in 1990.
Which Statler Brothers have died?
Harold Reid, the bass singer in the long-running country vocal quartet the Statler Brothers, died Friday night at age 80. A post on the group’s website said that Reid “had bravely endured a long battle with kidney failure.” The group had retired in 2002 after being together in various configurations since 1955.
Who are the Statler Brothers wives?
Don and his wife, Debbie, live in Staunton, Virginia with their faithful Cocker Spaniel, Lucy. The Statler Brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in the fall of 2007. In 2008 they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The are only the sixth (6th) act to be entered into both Halls.
How many Statler Brothers are still alive?
Balsley and Don Reid continue to reside in Staunton, as did Harold Reid until his death in April 2020; Fortune, though, relocated to Nashville, where he continues his music career as a solo artist, having released three albums under his own name.
Are there any brothers in the Statler Brothers?
In 1963, when the song “Louie, Louie” by the garage rock band also called The Kingsmen became famous, the group elected to bill themselves as The Statler Brothers. Despite the name, only two members of the group (Don and Harold Reid) were actual brothers and no member had the surname of Statler.