Staunton, Virginia — In a deeply moving reflection, country duo Wilson Fairchild — composed of Langdon Reid and Wil Reid, the sons of Don Reid and Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers — have opened their hearts to share what their family’s music truly means to them and why the legacy of The Statler Brothers will never fade.
Speaking to longtime fans and friends in a recent interview, Langdon and Wil described the experience of growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest harmony groups in American music history — and how that legacy shaped their lives, both on and off the stage.
“Music was our life, and it will always be a part of us,” Langdon said quietly. “We didn’t just hear the Statlers on the radio — we watched it happen from the wings. We saw the work, the faith, the sacrifice behind every note.”
The Statler Brothers, known for their pristine harmonies and down-to-earth values, officially retired in 2002 after more than four decades of unforgettable music. But through Wilson Fairchild, that spirit lives on — not as a copy, but as a continuation. A tribute rooted in love and authenticity.
“We’ve never tried to be The Statlers,” Wil added. “We’ve tried to honor them by being ourselves — by making music that matters, that tells stories, that makes people feel something. That’s what our dads taught us.”
From gospel ballads to country storytelling, the sons have carried their fathers’ values into a new generation. Their voices — unmistakably touched by the harmony-driven sound of their roots — bring comfort to fans who still hold The Statler Brothers close to their hearts.
And as the years pass, the emotional weight of the Statlers’ retirement feels more real than ever. For Langdon and Wil, it’s not just about the music — it’s about family, memory, and keeping the torch lit.
“There’s hardly a show we play where someone doesn’t come up after and say, ‘Your dads helped me through the hardest part of my life,’” Wil said. “That never gets old. That’s when we know — this matters. It always did.”
Now, as they continue to write, record, and tour, Wilson Fairchild say they’re not chasing stardom. They’re preserving something sacred — the honesty and heart of a generation of music that meant something.
And when asked what message they’d want to send to the fans who still play Statler records and keep the lyrics close, Langdon simply smiled.
“Thank you. You never stopped listening. And as long as you keep singing with us — the music will never stop.”
