When Wil and Langdon Reid, better known as the country duo Wilson Fairchild, penned “The Statler Brothers Song,” it was far more than a tribute to a legendary musical group. It was a profound homage to their own family heritage and the musical legacy that shaped their lives.
As sons of Harold Reid and Don Reid, two founding pillars of The Statler Brothers, Wil and Langdon’s upbringing was steeped in the living essence of harmony. Their childhood unfolded amid the backdrop of sold-out concerts, extensive road trips between performances, and intimate songwriting sessions that eventually carved the sound of American country music.
Wil recalls the profound impact their fathers’ journey had on them:
“We didn’t just watch them perform,” Wil said. “We watched them live it — the faith, the friendship, the work ethic. Music was their ministry, and we got to see what that meant up close.”
“The Statler Brothers Song” encapsulates this legacy—not focusing on fame or accolades, but on the very heart of what The Statler Brothers embodied. The song is a lyrical thank-you to the original quartet—Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt (later Jimmy Fortune)—whose harmony signified more than just sound; it represented unity, humility, and love, woven through decades.
Wil and Langdon’s lyrics are a testament to the values imparted by their fathers, highlighting faith, laughter, brotherhood, and legacy. Each verse resonates like a heartfelt letter carried home through melody, full of gratitude. The song beautifully expresses this sentiment:
Four voices, one truth,
One song that still rings through —
They taught us how to live and sing,
To keep the faith in everything.
For Wilson Fairchild, the project wasn’t just an effort to imitate their fathers’ success; it was a mission to uphold and extend their influence. Their voices, rich with warmth and kinship, echo the unmistakable tone of The Statler Brothers while adding a fresh, contemporary spirit that bridges generations.
Langdon Reid emphasized the duo’s intentions:
“We didn’t set out to copy them,” Langdon explained. “We just wanted to honor them. We owe everything we are to what they built — not just the music, but the example.”
The Statler Brothers represented more than music; they were a brotherhood deeply rooted in small-town values, faith, and genuine love for their fans. Their songs—such as “Flowers on the Wall,” “Do You Remember These,” “Class of ’57,” and “Bed of Roses”—became anthems of American life, filled with sincerity and storytelling that resist today’s commercial distractions.
Decades later, the same sincerity reverberates through “The Statler Brothers Song,” serving as a bridge between generations. It is a heartfelt declaration: we remember, we are grateful, and we will keep the harmony alive.
When Wil and Langdon debuted the song live in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia—the same place where The Statler Brothers’ journey began—the audience, many lifelong fans, stood in applause long before the song ended. That night was more than a performance; it was a celebration of a living legacy.
“The Statler Brothers Song” is a reminder not of what has passed, but of what remains—the laughter behind the scenes, the prayers before each show, and the long nights on the road forging bonds stronger than fame.
It conveys that family extends beyond bloodlines; it’s about belonging. And once learned, harmony is a gift that never fades.
As the final verse closes gently and gratefully, it is clear that the music of The Statler Brothers continues to live—not just in memories or vinyl, but in the hearts and voices of two sons carrying their fathers’ song into the future. Because some harmonies are simply too beautiful to end.
