In 1963, as Johnny Cash was soaring on the success of his chart-topping hit Ring of Fire, fate orchestrated a life-changing encounter at the Virginia Roanoke Fair. It was here that The Statler Brothers, a talented yet unknown group at the time, caught Cash’s keen eye. Known for their rich harmonies and distinctive sound, their performance immediately impressed him so deeply that with nothing more than a simple handshake, he invited them to join his tour. This spontaneous alliance sparked a decade-long collaboration, later immortalized in their tribute song We Got Paid by Cash—a heartfelt homage to their treasured time with the legendary country star.
Originally called The Kingsmen, the group was forced to change their name in 1963 due to the sudden popularity of another band’s hit Louie Louie. Amidst a brainstorming session in a hotel room, members Don and Harold Reid, along with Phil Balsley and Lew DeWitt, spotted a box of Statler tissues. This sparked the idea of their new name, The Statler Brothers. Don Reid wittily quipped, “We could have ended up as The Kleenex Brothers.”
The serendipitous meeting at the Roanoke Fair in Salem, Virginia marked the start of an incredible journey. Their flawless blend of gospel and country music captivated Cash, who welcomed them on tour without contracts—only trust. Over the next decade, the group toured intensely with Cash, graced national television screens, and recorded hits that would define their legacy.
Don Reid fondly recalled, “He was a living, breathing encyclopedia of music.” Their breakthrough hit, Flowers on the Wall (1965), dominated both pop and country charts, earning them two Grammy Awards, including Best New Country and Western Artist. They astonishingly eclipsed giants like The Beatles and The Supremes with this success.
The song’s emotional reach extended beyond charts. It gained renewed fame in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, during the unforgettable scene featuring Bruce Willis’s character Butch. The film’s soundtrack sold over a million copies, with Harold Reid humorously noting, “Bruce Willis doesn’t often do favors for people, but he sure did for us.”
Johnny Cash’s mentorship shaped not only their music but their understanding of the industry. Harold Reid reflected, “Touring with Cash was like getting a crash course in the music business. We learned invaluable lessons on what to do—and what not to do.”
During their 12-year tenure, The Statler Brothers released over 40 albums and won numerous accolades. They were perennial contenders for the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year and expanded their influence with a variety show on The Nashville Network (TNN) in 1991, showcasing Harold Reid’s comedic brilliance, quickly catapulting the show to top ratings.
One of the most heartrending moments came with the performance of More Than a Name on the Wall, penned by Jimmy Fortune, who had joined following Lew DeWitt’s departure due to health issues. This poignant song narrates the emotional journey of a mother visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Fortune shared his profound experience, “You see those endless rows of names, and each one represents a person, a story. That’s when I realized—they’re more than just names on a wall.”
Tragedy struck in April 2020 when Harold Reid succumbed to kidney disease. Despite this profound loss, the legacy of The Statler Brothers endures powerfully. Their deeply emotional music and timeless contribution to country music continue to resonate worldwide, a lasting testament to their extraordinary influence.
