When Jimmy Fortune steps onto the stage, something special happens. There’s no pyrotechnics, no flashing lights—just a man, a voice, and a story. And when he begins to sing his signature song, “Far Side Banks of Jordan” or “Elizabeth”—depending on who you ask—it doesn’t just stir the air. It stops time.
Fans have long said that Jimmy’s voice doesn’t just sing—it reaches into the soul. And nowhere is that more evident than when he performs the songs he helped bring to life as a member of The Statler Brothers, and later, as a solo artist with a testimony all his own.
But it’s “Elizabeth,” the soaring ballad he wrote and sang with The Statler Brothers, that many believe is his most unforgettable performance.
“That song changed my life,” Jimmy said in a recent interview. “I wrote it from a place of pure heart. I had no idea it would become the song people still ask for after all these years.”
And it’s not just the lyrics—it’s how he sings it. From the first note, Jimmy’s tenor pierces the silence like a prayer. As he climbs into the chorus, eyes closed and hand over his heart, it becomes clear that this isn’t just music—it’s ministry.
Audience members often say the same thing: “I wasn’t ready for how much I’d feel it.”
One fan shared:
“I’ve heard ‘Elizabeth’ a hundred times, but when Jimmy sang it live, I cried. I didn’t expect that. He wasn’t just singing. He was living it.”
Another song that leaves crowds in tears is “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” a haunting gospel duet he often performs in tribute to loved ones who’ve passed. For Jimmy, it’s personal—especially after losing Statler Brothers’ founding member Harold Reid in 2020, and others who’ve gone before him.
“Every time I sing it,” Jimmy said, “I picture the people I’ve lost. I picture them waiting for me on the far side banks. I can barely get through it.”
The emotional weight of his voice, the humble delivery, and the sincere connection with his audience are why Jimmy Fortune’s performances are more than concerts—they’re healing experiences.
Now, decades after stepping into the spotlight as the “new guy” in The Statler Brothers, Jimmy continues to tour the country, often performing in churches, small towns, and intimate venues—places where the music can truly be felt.
“I never chased stardom,” Jimmy said. “I just wanted to touch people’s hearts. And if one song can do that… then I’ve done what I was called to do.”
So if you’ve never heard Jimmy Fortune sing “Elizabeth” or “Far Side Banks of Jordan live—be prepared. Because when he does, you won’t just hear it… you’ll feel it.
And chances are, you’ll leave speechless.
