BORN OF HARMONY — Wilson Fairchild Carries On The Statler Brothers’ Legacy With Faith, Family, and Fire
In the picturesque rolling hills of Staunton, Virginia, a place steeped in the roots of country music and timeless memories, two men stand as living bridges to a legendary past. Wil Reid and Langdon Reid, collectively known as Wilson Fairchild, embody much more than just their musical talents — they are devoted sons, gifted storytellers, and the torchbearers of a cherished American country tradition.
Their heritage is unmistakable: their fathers, Don Reid and Harold Reid, comprised half of the iconic Statler Brothers. This remarkable group’s melodies became the soundtrack for countless small-town stories across America, with classics like “Flowers on the Wall” and “Do You Remember These” that blended faith, humor, and a heartfelt sense of home. Though the Statlers bid their final farewell with their last tour in 2002, their music did not vanish — it was simply passed on to a new generation.
Today, as Wilson Fairchild, Wil and Langdon carry this sacred legacy with a quiet dignity and renewed passion. Their performances do not mimic their fathers’ — they extend the tradition. Reflecting on their first public duet, a longtime fan whispered,
“Close your eyes… and it’s like hearing the Statlers again.”
Yet, there is something distinctly fresh in their sound — it is the blend of deep-rooted harmony and modern sensibility, the voice of a generation nurtured by the same family values but flourishing uniquely in its own time.
Their concerts are more than musical events; they are emotional journeys steeped in heart and heritage. Songs such as “Blue Room Sessions,” “Make a Difference,” and their poignant homage “Statler Brothers Song” seamlessly weave together the past and the present — a tribute to legacy, coupled with an audacious look forward. The remarkable harmonies they produce aren’t an act of imitation but a natural inheritance, an echo of bloodlines steeped in music.
Wil frequently reflects on his upbringing amid the Statlers’ tours, recalling the scents of microphones, diesel buses, and gospel rehearsals that colored his childhood. Meanwhile, Langdon recounts valuable life lessons learned backstage — the importance of humility, unyielding dedication, and faith permeating every note. As Langdon remembers,
“Dad always said, if you can’t sing it from your heart, don’t sing it at all.”
This wisdom remains the cornerstone of Wilson Fairchild’s music philosophy.
Their live shows become communal experiences — intimate gatherings that blend nostalgia with celebration. Between songs, moments of laughter carefully mingle with tears, as they perform gospel favorites beloved by the Statlers and share stories that evoke the rhythms of small-town life. The essence of faith and family, so central to their fathers’ music, resonates powerfully in their own performances.
At a memorable concert in Staunton, the very town where their fathers first raised their voices, the duo delivered an emotionally charged rendition of “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You.” As the crowd’s voices joined in, trembling with nostalgia, something remarkable occurred: a brief but vivid return of the original harmonies, with echoes of Harold’s warm laughter, Don’s storytelling charm, Phil’s steady calm, and Lew DeWitt’s angelic tenor. The sons sang, but the fathers’ spirits filled the space — present not physically, but through the legacy and the music that transcends generations.
Offstage, Wil and Langdon mirror the values of their fathers in lifestyle and purpose, rooted deeply in Virginia soil and guided by gratitude woven into each song. Their commitment extends beyond music into community involvement; frequently they participate in local events, gospel gatherings, and charitable functions, embodying not just the sound but the mission of the Statler Brothers: to uplift spirits and remind people of life’s enduring priorities.
Wil succinctly captures this dedication, stating,
“We don’t take it lightly. We grew up watching four men who lived what they sang. That’s a hard act to follow — but it’s an honor to try.”
This reverence guides every performance Wilson Fairchild delivers.
As Wilson Fairchild tours and continues their recording career, their music serves as a living bridge — linking tradition and innovation, history and hope. In a music industry often eager to chase fleeting trends, they stand as steadfast pillars of enduring values, proving the timeless power of harmony. Their sound evokes a feeling of returning home, as if tuning into the familiar voice of a father gently echoing from an old radio.
When they close their shows with a simple “Thank you,” an expectant hush often falls over the audience — the same reverent silence that once embraced the Statlers as the last note lingered in the air. It is the sound of a legacy very much alive and resonantly singing.
For those raised on the artistry of The Statler Brothers, seeing Wilson Fairchild perform is more than a concert; it is a heartfelt reunion. For newcomers, it is an introduction to the purest form of country harmony — honest, deeply human, and touched by something almost heavenly.
Ultimately, this story is not solely about fathers and sons, or stages and songs. It is about an enduring truth — the power of love intertwined with music, forever joined in an unbreakable bond.
“Music, at its best, is not fame — it’s family,” Wil Reid emphasizes, “and that’s exactly what we believe in.”
Raised in faith and born out of harmony, these two sons carry forth a sacred tradition that continues to inspire and resonate with every note they sing.
