In a stunningly raw and emotional new interview, Jimmy Fortune, the celebrated tenor who carried the unmistakable sound of The Statler Brothers into a new generation, has pulled back the curtain on the single most pivotal moment of his life—a moment of profound trust from a man facing his own tragic fate. For decades, fans have cherished Fortune’s seamless integration into the legendary group, but few knew the heart-wrenching story of how his entire career was placed in the hands of the band’s brilliant, ailing founder, Lew DeWitt.
“I owe everything to Lew,” Fortune confessed, his voice thick with an emotion that time has not faded. “If it weren’t for him believing in me, I wouldn’t have the career I have today. He gave me a chance when no one else would, and that’s something I’ll never forget.” The weight of these words hangs heavy, painting a vivid picture of a young, unknown musician on the verge of obscurity before being plucked for stardom by his own hero. The year was 1982, and the future of The Statler Brothers was shrouded in uncertainty. Lew DeWitt, a cornerstone of the group’s sound and soul, was in a desperate battle with Crohn’s disease, an illness that would ultimately force him to step away from the stage. In this moment of crisis, DeWitt made a choice that would echo through country music history. He chose Jimmy Fortune.
What makes this act so powerful was DeWitt’s own quiet suffering. “Lew was battling his own personal struggles, but he still saw something in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself,” Fortune revealed. The decision was not merely a business transaction; it was a deeply personal anointment. “He chose to trust me, and that trust shaped everything that followed.” This mentorship was not just about hitting the high notes. “Lew was a leader in every sense of the word,” Jimmy shared, recalling the immense pressure. “He taught me not only how to perform but how to connect with the audience… it was about bringing your heart to the stage every single time.“
The ultimate symbol of this sacred trust arrived when Fortune was handed lead vocals on what would become one of the band’s most enduring classics, “Elizabeth.” It was a public passing of the torch. “That was a big moment for me,” Fortune reflected. “Lew passed on the torch in a way that not only helped me grow as a singer but also as an artist.” DeWitt wasn’t just finding a replacement; he was entrusting his entire life’s work to a successor. “Lew trusted me to carry on the legacy of The Statler Brothers,” Jimmy said, his gratitude palpable. “It was about keeping the spirit of what we had alive. That’s something I will always cherish.” Today, the ghost of Lew DeWitt lives on in every harmony. “Lew’s spirit is in every song we sang,” Jimmy insisted. “I’ll never be able to repay Lew for what he did for me, but I’ll make sure his legacy lives on, in every performance, every note I sing.“
