Who Were The Bridesmaids In The Statler Brothers' Songs?

The Statler Brothers were an American country music, gospel, and vocal group from Staunton, Virginia. Formed in 1955, the group consisted of Don Reid, Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt, who was later replaced by Jimmy Fortune in 1981 due to health issues. The group disbanded and retired in 2002. While there is no specific information about the bridesmaids in the context of the Statler Brothers, it is possible that the term bridesmaids could be metaphorically referring to the group's backing vocalists or opening acts, as they supported the main act, similar to how bridesmaids support the bride at a wedding.

The Statler Brothers' musical style

The Statler Brothers were known for their distinctive four-part vocal harmonies and traditional country sound. Their songs were characterised by heartfelt storytelling, relatable themes, and genuine emotion conveyed through their harmonious vocals. Their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, coupled with their captivating vocal delivery, contributed to their enduring popularity.

The group's first major hit, "Flowers on the Wall," composed and written by Lew DeWitt, showcased their unique style, blending bluegrass banjo, barbershop quartet-ready harmonies, and vivid, eccentric poetry. Their music also incorporated elements of pop, with subtle pop touches within familiar country production, and they were not afraid to experiment with different musical influences while staying true to their distinctive identity.

The group's career highlights

The Statler Brothers, sometimes simply referred to as The Statlers, were an American country music, gospel, and vocal group from Staunton, Virginia. The group was formed in 1955 and performed locally before joining Johnny Cash's road show in 1964. Here are some highlights of their career:

1964-1972: The Johnny Cash Years

From 1964 to 1972, the Statler Brothers sang as an opening act and backup singers for Johnny Cash. They were featured regularly on "The Johnny Cash Show," his ABC hit show that ran from 1969 to 1971. This exposure helped launch their career and they remained with Cash's troupe for over eight years.

1965: Breakthrough Success with "Flowers on the Wall"

In March 1965, the Statler Brothers released "Flowers on the Wall," a composition by group member Lew DeWitt. The song became a #2 country hit and crossed over to #4 on the pop charts. It won a 1965 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Performance, Group, and helped the group win another 1965 Grammy for Best New Country & Western Artist.

1969: Signing with Mercury Records and Top Ten Singles

In 1969, the Statler Brothers signed with Mercury Records and began a long and successful partnership with producer Jerry Kennedy. Their first Mercury single, "Bed of Rose's," became a Top Ten country single in 1970-1971. This kicked off a string of Top Ten records throughout the 1970s, including "Do You Remember These," "The Class of '57," and "I'll Go to My Grave Loving You."

1978: First Chart-Topping Hit

In 1978, the Statler Brothers scored their first #1 hit with "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine." This song topped the Billboard charts and showcased the group's enduring popularity.

1980s: Continued Success and More #1 Hits

In the 1980s, the Statler Brothers continued their success with eighteen Top Ten singles, including three #1 hits: "Elizabeth" (1984), "My Only Love" (1985), and "Too Much on My Heart" (1985). These hits were penned by group member Jimmy Fortune and solidified their place as one of country music's top acts.

1991-1997: The Statler Brothers Show

From 1991 to 1997, the Statler Brothers hosted their own weekly television show on the Nashville Network. The show resembled a typical 1950s variety show and expanded their fame, introducing them to a wider audience.

2002: Farewell Concert and Retirement

On October 22, 2002, the Statler Brothers performed their farewell concert near their hometown of Staunton, Virginia. After a long and successful career, the group retired from concerts and tours, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most awarded acts in country music history.

The band's members

The Statler Brothers, sometimes referred to as The Statlers, were an American country music, gospel, and vocal group from Staunton, Virginia. The group was formed in 1955 and originally performed as a gospel quartet called the Four Star Quartet. In 1961, the group was reorganized as the Kingsmen by Harold Reid, who brought in his younger brother, Don Reid, to replace Joe McDorman. In 1963, the group changed their name to the Statler Brothers, inspired by a brand of facial tissue they noticed in a hotel room. Despite the name, only two members of the group, Don and Harold Reid, were actual brothers, and none of them had the surname Statler.

Over the years, the Statler Brothers had several members, including:

• Joe McDorman (1955-1960)
• Lew DeWitt (1955-1982)
• Phil Balsley (1955-2002)
• Harold Reid (1955-2002)
• Don Reid (1960-2002)
• Jimmy Fortune (1982-2002)

Don Reid was the lead singer, while Harold Reid sang bass. Phil Balsley sang baritone, and Lew DeWitt sang tenor and played the guitar before being replaced by Jimmy Fortune in 1981 due to health issues.

The Statler Brothers had a successful career spanning several decades. They are known for their unique style that blended gospel harmonies with country music. They also incorporated comedy and parody into their performances, thanks to the humorous talent of group member Harold Reid. The group had several hit songs, including "Flowers on the Wall" and "Bed of Rose's." They earned the number-one spot on the Billboard chart four times and have released over 40 albums. They were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

In 2002, the Statler Brothers retired and completed a farewell tour. Since then, some members have pursued other interests, such as writing books and continuing solo music careers.

The Statlers' retirement

The Statler Brothers, also known as The Statlers, disbanded and retired on October 26, 2002, after completing a farewell tour. The group had a long and successful career as recording, touring, and television stars, maintaining one of country music's top-grossing road shows for over thirty years.

The Statlers began their career in 1955, performing locally in Staunton, Virginia, under the name The Four Star Quartet. In 1963, they elected to bill themselves as the Statler Brothers—named after a brand of facial tissue they had noticed in a hotel room. Despite the name, only two members of the group, Don and Harold Reid, were actual brothers, and no one had the surname Statler.

In 1964, the Statlers began an eight-year run as Johnny Cash's opening act and backing vocalists, appearing regularly on his hit TV show. During this time, they released their first major hit, "Flowers on the Wall," written by group member Lew DeWitt. In the 1980s, the Statlers were a mainstay on The Nashville Network, where their videos were shown regularly, and they hosted a weekly variety show from 1991 to 1998.

Throughout their career, the Statlers incorporated comedy and parody into their musical act, thanks to the humorous talent of group member Harold Reid. They recorded two comedy albums under the pseudonym Lester "Roadhog" Moran and the Cadillac Cowboys. The Statlers also earned the number-one spot on the Billboard charts four times and released over 40 albums.

After retiring from concerts and tours in 2002, the Statlers continued to accommodate autograph requests for over 15 years. However, they eventually had to stop receiving, signing, and returning items in the mail. Group members Balsley and Don Reid continue to reside in Staunton, while Fortune relocated to Nashville to continue his music career as a solo artist. The Statlers remain one of the most awarded acts in the history of country music.

The Statler Brothers' legacy

The Statler Brothers, sometimes referred to as The Statlers, were an American country music, gospel, and vocal group from Staunton, Virginia. They began their musical legacy in 1955, performing Southern gospel music at local churches. The group was first known as The Four Star Quartet and later, The Kingsmen.

The Statler Brothers were backup singers for Johnny Cash from 1964 to 1972. They sang alongside Cash on his ABC hit show, which ran from 1969 to 1971. The Statlers' style was closely linked to their gospel roots, and most of their albums contain at least one gospel song. They also incorporated comedy and parody into their musical act, thanks to the humorous talent of group member Harold Reid. They earned the number-one spot on the Billboard chart four times and have released over 40 albums.

In 1980, the group purchased and renovated their former elementary school in Staunton, occupying the complex for several years. They also began performing at an annual Independence Day festival in Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton in 1970, which lasted for 25 years. The event, known as "Happy Birthday USA," drew as many as 100,000 fans each year.

The Statler Brothers played their last concert at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia, on October 26, 2002, and were elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. They have won 3 Grammys and are in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

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