The Statler Brothers: Random Memories

by Harold Reid, Don Reid

The Statler Brothers came on the scene in the turbulent 60s as a backup group for Johnny Cash. Their first hit record, Flowers On The Wall , catapulted them to the top of the charts where they remained for the rest of their long, successful career. Often called the most awarded act in the history of Country Music, the Statlers have multiple Grammy Awards; stacks of gold and platinum albums; decades of standing-room-only concerts; a number one television series that ran for seven seasons; and a staggering list of hit records. The lives they have touched are in the millions and those who have touched theirs are inside this cover.

Genres: Music, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2008

Reviews

[Karen Willis]

I am really enjoying this book, though at points it makes tears come to my eyes. I remember when I was young I would see commericals on tv featuring The Statler Brothers and had no clue who they were. Then years later I somehow got a record of theirs and that was all she wrote. I was hooked! My mom took me to see them in concert a couple of times, starting in high school. So she and they are forever linked in my memories. I think I may have seen them about 8(?) times! Is that something to brag about?! LOL.

[Debbie]

This book is an early Christmas present from my son, daughter-in-law and middle grand. I started reading it on my way home from their house on Tuesday December 7, 2021. It kept me occupied my entire trip by Amtrak bus and train. What random memories it has brought back to me...I have been a fan of them forever...but in reading this book there are more songs written and sung by them that I have never heard before. So you can bet I will be doing some searching online to see which ones I can find to listen to.

Harold and Don are brothers who were born in Staunton, VA. Don still lives there with his family and Harold passed away in April 2020. The other members of the group are Jimmy Fortune (he replaced Lew Dewitt who passed away in August of 1990. Phil Balsley is also a member of the group and still lives in Staunton, VA with his wife.

They were the backup group for Johnny Cash. The Statler Brothers made their chart review in 1965 with the song written Lew Dewitt (one of the founding members). They toured with Cash from 1963-1971 and then decided to break off on their own. They spent 38 years touring together before deciding to retire.

I will be spending more time this month looking for and listening to the many songs that I missed during the time I either didn't know about this group, or was otherwise occupied living my own life. I really enjoyed reading about their lives, their jokes and how they have remained close and still support each other as much as they can while enjoying their own families.

[p]

Pretty much what you would expect from the title. Dozens of memories covering the formation of the band up to the last concert 40 years later. Lots of name-dropping and humble-bragging, but let them.

Both Harold and Don wrote various sections of this book – perhaps because they are brothers, but I could not tell their voices apart and thus could not keep track of who was telling the story. So I just read it as one author.

Quite amazing all the people the Statler Brothers hobnobbed with – pretty much every Western movie star and every country singer still alive while they were performing. They apparently put out 40+ records, and several concerts hit over 100,000 attendees. I learned they hosted a show on TNN for 7 years.

Oftentimes I felt some of the memories left me wanting more details. That is, they are very specific memories, with enough context provided to understand. But sometimes details in the context caught my attention more…Obviously 200 pages is insufficient to adequately cover 40 years, and I think they did a great job here keeping the book short and interesting.

While the book is mostly positive in tone, it does cover the difficult subjects of illness of some of the members, and the replacing of Lew with Jimmy.

[Curtis K.]

An autobiographical literary biopic (I think I just created a new genre by mixtape...)
From one-half of the famous country quartet - Harold and Don (the two who actually were brothers, but not named Statler) - a great collection of stories behind the songs (hits and otherwise), stories from the road, stories about their friends, fans and families...

Thoroughly enjoyed every page! plus the 40+ pages of photos; but Chapters 13 and 15 are my favorites: stories about the future country icons who were "unknowns" when they got their chance to open for the Statlers, and the song bios of the story songs - which the 'brothers' have been famous for, for over 40 years.

If you've been a fan, you'll probably find yourself singing along, if your first reponse is "Statler who...?" - you just may find yourself surfing the web or your favorite music streaming site to find out what all the cheering is about.

[Julie Trapp]

It's about the Statler Brothers - how could it not be 5? The book is not an autobiography, but how they got started in show business and their careers as singers/entertainers. The stories are great (did you know Harold designed all of their matching costumes in the earlier days? Who woulda thought?) Their days with Johnny Cash, their TV show, their singing engagements - everything is there and is great reading. Glad to have the list at the back of the book with each and every album listed. I saw them 3 times over the years. Not any better entertainers out there.

[Wallace]

I have been a fan of the Statler Brothers for over 45 years, and it was really good to read this book by Harold and Don Reid in which they share random memories of how they came to be, how they did and what it all meant!

I found the book highly informative and it added background to their music, their personal and business philosophies, and what made the Statler Brothers so, so unique in the Country Music genre.

Really a book for fans!

[Angie]

This is a charming and interesting account of a very long career of one of the most successful and unique country acts in history. It is very clean but informative. It provided a lot of insight into the workings of the music industry. It included some wonderful stories, of people and of music. I enjoyed it very much.

[Krystal]

Loved, loved, loved this book! I grew up on The Statler Brothers and still love their music! So fun to read about their beginning, the stories behind their songs, and the people they met along the way.

[Alexis Chapman]

I would give this ten stars if that were possible.

[Doug Yonce]

Great book about the lives and times of the greatest entertainers "on and off the record"!

[Danna Townsdin]

If you’re a Statler Brothers fan, you will love this book! So many memories. Great stories. I loved it!

[Debra Matthews]

Don!Reid

[Karen Brunelle]

A fun read that makes you yearn for times past.

[Sharon Buxton]

A. nonfiction; autobiography

[Jeff Grosser]

I was first introduced to The Statler Brothers by my grandmother who not only listed to their music, but also watched their show on TNN every weekend. I really enjoyed reading the stories behind the music. To know that they were able to achieve their success without getting wrapped up in alcohol & drug abuse or letting the success lead them to some over the top lifestyle is very impressive. Knowing that they maintained their integrity through it all makes my memories that much sweeter. I am so grateful that my grandmother introduced me to their wonderful gift of music.

[Koren]

The beginning of the book tells us that this is not an autobiography or a history of the group but is just what the book says 'random memories'. That said, there is quite a bit of information on the background of the group. There are some funny stories to tell. These guys have a great sense of humor. If you are a fan of the group you will like this book.

[Morgan Taylor]

The Statler Brothers have such a huge significance in my family, and several people in my family had read this book. So I decided it was my turn, and I'm so glad I did. It was so great to hear some of the stories behind some of my favorite songs, and to "reminisce" along with them.

[Demetra Smith]

If you are Country music fan I highly recommend this book. It gives you a look behind a Super talented Group and insider stories on some of Country music's finest

[Tim Armstrong]

Interesting enough. Some good stories.

[George Miles]

Interesting look into one of country music's great groups. As the title says, it is a lot of random thoughts - nowhere near a "biography" or history of the group. But it was still a fascinating read.