The Statler Brothers may have been one of the most successful country vocal groups of their time, but they were hardly a traditional family group. In fact, none of them were actually named Statler, and only two of them were related by blood. Instead, they got their name from a box of tissues they spotted in a hotel room one night.

The quartet originally consisted of Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt, and they made their mark on the country music scene with their tight harmonies and catchy tunes. Discovered by Johnny Cash in the mid-sixties, the Statler Brothers quickly became fan favorites. Hits like “Flowers on the Wall”, “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?”, and “Bed of Roses” dominated the airwaves in their heyday, and the group made regular appearances as part of Johnny Cash’s entourage.

In 1982, Lew DeWitt was forced to leave the group due to Crohn’s disease, leaving some big boots to fill. Enter Jimmy Fortune, who proved to be a worthy replacement and helped the group continue to make great music.

Despite the lineup change, the Statler Brothers continued to thrive, releasing hit after hit. Over the course of their career, they won many awards and accolades, including three Grammy Awards and nine CMA Awards, and they even had their own TV variety show for a time.

After retiring from music in 2002, their legacy has continued to inspire and influence the genre. Their signature close harmonies, clever lyrics, and classic sound remain beloved by country music fans to this day. Their music brought people together and created a sense of community that transcended boundaries of race, class, and geography. And that, perhaps, is the true legacy of this iconic country group.