Time may soften the echo of applause, but for Don Reid, the heart of The Statler Brothers still beats strong in every memory, every lyric, and every life they’ve touched. Now in a quieter season of life, Don has begun to speak more openly about the legacy he and his bandmates built—one rooted not just in music, but in love, loyalty, and shared purpose.
In a recent sit-down with fans and friends, Don offered heartfelt reflections on the journey of the Statlers, a group that defined country and gospel harmony for generations. And while the charts and awards speak volumes, it’s the brotherhood behind the music that Don says mattered most.
“We weren’t chasing stardom,” Don shared. “We were building something bigger than ourselves. A sound. A message. A family.”
Formed in 1955 in Staunton, Virginia, The Statler Brothers—Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt (later replaced by Jimmy Fortune)—rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved vocal groups in American music history. Their harmonies were unmistakable, their humor unforgettable, and their hearts grounded in faith and country roots.
Now, decades after their retirement from touring, Don speaks not with regret, but with gratitude. “We had our time under the lights,” he says. “But the real reward was in how people took the songs home with them. How they made them part of their lives.”
Songs like “Flowers on the Wall,” “Bed of Rose’s,” and “Class of ’57” remain staples of country radio and family record collections. But for Don, it’s not just the songs—it’s the connection. The memories. The mail from fans who say a Statler song played at a wedding, or soothed a grieving heart, or made them laugh on a hard day.
“What we built together,” Don said quietly, “wasn’t just harmony. It was hope. It was joy. It was a reflection of who we were, and who we still are.”
Don often speaks of his late brother Harold Reid with reverence and affection. Their bond was unshakable—not just as family, but as creative partners. “Harold brought the thunder,” he smiled. “I brought the paper. Together, we made something we could both believe in.”
Though two of the original members have now passed on, Don believes their spirit lives in every note, every encore memory, and every fan who still hums along.
“Music changes,” he says. “The world changes. But the heart behind it—that doesn’t fade.”
Today, Don Reid continues to write and share stories, both about the band and beyond. And while he no longer stands on stage, his voice still carries the same message: that what matters most is not fame, but faith; not fortune, but friendship.
And for all who loved The Statler Brothers—who sang along, who laughed at the jokes, who felt the faith in the harmonies—Don’s message is clear: “What we built together will never fade. Because it was built on love.”