For decades, fans of The Statler Brothers celebrated their harmonies, their humor, and their unmistakable bond. But behind the curtain, there was a chapter of quiet courage that had never been told—until now.
In a heartfelt reflection, Don Reid, longtime lead vocalist and founding member of the group, has finally shared what many never knew: Jimmy Fortune didn’t just join The Statler Brothers… he saved them.
“When Lew [DeWitt] had to leave the group due to his health, we didn’t know what we were going to do,” Don recalled. “We were hurting. Lost. And then Jimmy walked in—not with fanfare, but with heart.”
Jimmy Fortune, a young tenor from Virginia with a voice like no other, stepped into the shoes of a beloved original member—something that could have fractured any group. But he did it with humility, warmth, and a deep respect for the legacy he was stepping into.
“Jimmy didn’t try to replace Lew,” Don said. “He honored him. And then he brought something entirely his own.”
What many fans didn’t see was how Jimmy helped carry the emotional weight of the group during those uncertain years. Behind the scenes, he lifted spirits. On stage, he carried melodies that kept their signature sound alive. And in the studio, he penned songs that added new depth to their catalog—like “Elizabeth,” a song that became one of their most enduring hits.
“Jimmy gave us a second wind,” Don admitted. “He brought light into a hard time. And we wouldn’t have made it those final decades without him.”
The revelation has touched fans deeply—not because it rewrites history, but because it adds heart to it. Jimmy Fortune wasn’t just a great singer. He was the right soul at the right time.
And now, all these years later, Don Reid says he’s finally ready to give credit where it’s long been due.
“He saved us,” Don said. “And he never once asked for recognition.”
Today, with The Statler Brothers’ music still echoing through radios, concert halls, and country hearts across America, fans can hear those harmonies with new ears—knowing that behind every note was a quiet act of grace that kept the music alive.