In a heartfelt and emotional reflection, Jimmy Fortune has opened up about the profound trust and mentorship that Lew DeWitt, the late founding member of The Statler Brothers, showed him—trust that not only shaped Jimmy’s career but also helped him find his true voice as a musician.
“I owe everything to Lew,” Jimmy said in a recent interview. “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.”
When Jimmy first joined The Statler Brothers in 1982, it was a pivotal moment not only in his career but in the history of the group. At that time, Lew DeWitt was already an established voice and pillar of The Statler Brothers—and his decision to bring Jimmy into the fold was a remarkable act of trust that would forever change the course of Jimmy’s life.
Jimmy remembers the first time Lew took him aside and spoke of his belief in his talents, giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. “Lew was battling his own personal struggles, but he still saw something in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself,” Jimmy said. “He chose to trust me, and that trust shaped everything that followed.”
That trust wasn’t just about giving Jimmy a job in the group; it was about allowing him to grow, to learn, and to contribute to the sound and legacy of The Statler Brothers. Jimmy admits he felt the weight of stepping into such big shoes but was comforted by Lew’s constant support.
“Lew was a leader in every sense of the word,” Jimmy shared. “He taught me not only how to perform but how to connect with the audience and how to make every performance count. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about bringing your heart to the stage every single time.”
One of the most significant moments in their collaboration came when Jimmy was given the chance to step up to lead vocals for some of the band’s most beloved songs, such as “Elizabeth,” a song that remains an iconic part of their catalog. “That was a big moment for me,” Jimmy reflected. “Lew passed on the torch in a way that not only helped me grow as a singer but also as an artist.”
But perhaps the greatest gift Lew gave Jimmy was the chance to continue his musical journey after Lew’s health struggles forced him to step away. “Lew trusted me to carry on the legacy of The Statler Brothers,” Jimmy said. “It wasn’t just about performing the songs. It was about keeping the spirit of what we had alive. That’s something I will always cherish.”
In tribute to Lew’s memory, Jimmy often speaks of how the music they made together continues to live on through every note, every lyric, and every harmony. “Lew’s spirit is in every song we sang,” Jimmy said. “Whether it was ’Flowers on the Wall’ or ‘I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,’ those songs will always remind me of Lew, of his wisdom, and of the trust he placed in me.”
Today, as Jimmy carries on the legacy of The Statler Brothers, he remains forever grateful to Lew for giving him the opportunity to stand side by side with one of the most iconic country music groups in history. And in doing so, he continues to honor the timeless music they created together.
“I’ll never be able to repay Lew for what he did for me,” Jimmy concluded. “But I’ll make sure his legacy lives on, in every performance, every note I sing.”
