When Lewis had to retire because of his health many thought it would be the end of The Statler's. They had a brief slump on the charts but then Jimmy Fortune joined and a couple of his compositions -"Elizabeth" and "My Only Love" went to #1 and they were back on top. Fortune didn't try to replace Lew but added his own identity and talent to the group.
I agree. It was a God granted place for him. I believe Don was especially in tune with the Lord’s will. I certainly could be mistaken but I do believe they were committed Christians.
No words can describe the joy that these gentlemen brought to so many of us fans.Over 50 years together(3 of the 4 originals),totally unheard of..50 years of the best music this side of anywhere.God Bless you Statler Brothers,and rest easy Lew,you'l never be forgotten.Folks,,just cherish this music,there wont be any more like it..
In this live farewell concert Don stated they'd been singing and traveling for over 40 years....but who's counting right? I too loved Lew and had a hard time accepting Jimmy in the beginning. Lew was all I knew but I came around and love Jimmy!!! Lew had a unique voice, they both do for that matter but I believe Jimmy's voice is a lot stronger than Lew's was? RIP Lew and Harold!!! I'll see you on the other side....... when God calls me home!!
Would Lew have written 'Elizabeth, Too Much On My Heart or My Only Love?' All written by Mr. Jimmy Fortune and all Number One songs and all awarded song of the year! So I ask again would Lew have done that? Get off Jimmys back please as he has done a tremendous job and forged his own career AND has always been very gracious about Lew! Did The Statlers need Jimmy more? We will never know that!
With absolutely no disrespect to Lew, to my ears the Statlers, already a great group, got even better with the addition of Jimmy Fortune, one of the best tenors I’ve ever heard.
@@Paladin70I liked lew and still love his contributions to the Statler Brothers. He wrote Flowers on the wall, one of my favorites. Jimmy was a great addition after Lew had to stop touring.
@@RamTrucks590 Lew, suffering from Crohn’s disease and knowing he had to at least be replaced temporarily, had heard Jimmy sing and is actually the one who invited Jimmy to audition to be his fill-in, which later that year became his permanent replacement. True fans should be appreciative of what both brought to the group, as both men truly appreciated each other.
I really only liked the Statlers when Jimmy became part of the group , in fact we made the long trip to Nashville just to watch their tapings! But their is a much better group now if only they decide to become a permanent group ! You might want to check them out “Brotherly Love “ Jimmy is also now recording with them and the harmony with this group is unbelievable and second to none !
There will never be a group like the Statlers. I loved Lew and didn't think anyone could replace him. Jimmy didn't, he brought a freshness that was a short in the arm to an already magnificent group, both in singing, songwriting, and showmanship. Thank God for videos like this! They can continue to bless us with their harmony and wit for ages to come.
At the age of 16 I started singing in a local gospel quartet singing lead mainly by the influence of the Statler brothers. I learned to sing tenor by listening to Lew DeWitt. I listened to and enjoyed these guys for years. I shed tears when I heard Lew passed. I had a chance to attend their farewell concert, but I knew it would be too painful for me. I’m 64 now and I miss them every day. Thank God for RU-vid. God be with you guys…
When you have a truly natural voice like Jimmy it stays solid and unchanged, his solo career proves this . His exquisite voice has not changed one bit.
Every time I hear this song it brings such deep emotions and flashbacks to days gone by. I could hear it a thousand times and never get sick of it. I sure miss these guys.
The thing that made the Statlers so great was their harmony! They all had very good voices individually. But the “whole” of their sound together was even greater than the sum of their parts.
@TheJanka51 LOOK at who is being STUPID. After Jimmy joined the Statlers, they went on another 22 years before they retired with many hit songs. Even Lew stated that Jimmy joining the group reignited them and gave them many more years of stardom after going stagnant . I wouldn't say Jimmy was better than Lew but brought a fresh approach to the music they sang. Lew was very talented and had a unique voice.
To James Street-Amen, brot her; my favorite country mus ic group followed by the Oak Ridge Boys. Too bad the Sta tlers are retired; would loved to have met them & gotten t heir autographs & possibly had my picture taken with th em. Since they are I've taken my mom to see the Oaks, Lo retta Lynn, the Gatlin Brother s & Charley Pride in concert.
I'm a big Oak Ridge Boys fan, but I have seen the Statler's numerous times. Including in their hometown. I love 4 part harmony. To me there's nothing better than voices harmonizing. I had the priviledge to see The Cathedrals on their final tour. Just love it.
When the group lost a brother due to death, finding someone to replace that part is often difficult. The Statler Brothers did a wonderful job picking Jimmy. This song is built just for him. The Brothers dominated the country music scene in the 70's, and left a lasting impression, and some great music to enjoy.
Always nice to have another Statler brother fan. I presume your an American unlike me who is English but love country music , these boys were some of the best. Have a good day.
To gheester 60-The only wa- y you're going to get true co- untry music is by using a S- martphone or some other m ethod as radio stations no l- onger play this type of coun try. As far as I'm concerned country music is dead.
Stand strong. If you have kids, do whatever it takes to stay in their lives. Kids need a good dad now, more than ever. If you don't have kids, let her go right out of your thoughts and mind. Like a very bad, unreliable car that you loved the style and the paint job, the interior, etc. but you just can't get it to be reliable or dependable, regardless of how much you work on it, how much you spend, there's always going to be something else. It's tough and painful to let go of lemons, but, like a bad tooth, they won't get better. Many women do men a favor by leaving, sine so many men won't leave. Mentally thank her, then blot her out of your mind and move on to your better life! Sorry for the short novel! Have a good day!
My parents really loved them. These guys had great voices, harmonies, but what made them great is they loved their fans. They were upstanding Christian men. I was really saddened when I found out Harold passed away. He was so funny. They gave great concerts. It took a little getting used to Jimmy, but that guy has a set of outstanding pipes. He is a very gifted songwriter too. Their song Elizabeth was played at my Memaw’s funeral. I miss them a lot. RIP Harold and Lew.
He wrote "Elizabeth", "Too Much On My Heart", "My Only Love", "More Than A Name On A Wall", "Forever" and "I Believe". There were more but they never made it to recordings......that I know of. He's a great singer and an awesome song writer!!
Sometimes life is just too heavy, We all have our own time when it just seems more than we can bear. If we're lucky we know where to find the answers and the courage to finish this thing we call life. " John 3.16 "
Such a great group sorry they retired but then again I suppose they have earned it. Lucky for us Jimmy Fortune and Dailey and Vincent still sing all these great songs
What a beautiful song that really touches your heart. Statlers brothers made a lot of good songs. They are absolutely the greatest artists of all times. I could never get tired of listening to their songs.
"THE PAIN SHOOTS THRU ME LIKE A DART, I'VE GOT TOO MUCH ON MY HEART" wow right to the heart of well any broken hearted fool, me being one of those once or twice!!!!!!
I have loved these guys since I was a kid and first heard "Flowers On The Wall". Sad to learn they had retired, but they deserve a well earned retirement. I felt out of touch with others when I was in college in the mid 70's I had little in common with other students, so I would go to the music room, put on the headphones, and listen to the Statler Brothers, and enjoy myself.
My parents lived up the street from the park & every July thousands of fans would descend on that area. Total chaos but lots of fun. Used to see Harold in the grocery store, Not a fan of Jimmy, missed Lew. And now Harold is gone❤️
As a young college kid in the early 70's, I attended a Johnny Cash concert, and the group that opened up the concert was the Statler Brothers, and until then, I had not heard of them. 50 years later, they certainly made history and have been a huge success.
My Granny loved the Statlers. Listening to them cleaning house on Saturday morning. What I wouldn't give to go back to have just one more Saturday with her.
After my last football game as a senior my mom had this on a tape in my bedroom when I got home she told me to push play cried like a baby what a great song
Great music from great artists, the likes of which we'll never see again. The best of music has come and gone, kinda sad but great memories, and we can always listen to the good stuff. I hardly listen to the radio because for the most part they play newer crap. It is indeed crap.
The Statlers are one of the few top Country groups that can, out of need, replace a well-loved member and remain on top. For me, Country and Western Music died when our beloved Marty passed on to sing in God's choir...and I'll bet he cracks some great jokes up there. He was a real showman.
I agree with you, for the most part. I don't listen to the radio at all, but I must admit now and then I hear a song that has meaningful lyrics, a memorable melody (if we're lucky) incredible harmony. Too many wannabes today who want to hit as many charts as possible (greed).The Statlers were real, an in-your-face kind of real with voices beyond compare...and I still think that Harold Reed is the best bass singer ever to hit the charts.
I was referring to Marty Robbins. In my opinion he was one of the best solo artists as were The Statlers were a group...they had their roots in Country and Western. However, Lew DeWitt was my favorite over Jimmy...both were great and had different gifts to offer the group.
+Jon B Not quit right, Lew stepped down because of a disease he had since he was in high school I think it was and Lew passed away in 1990 years after Jimmy took his place.
Jimmy wrote a beautiful heartfelt song and the group sings it well. I decided to have my hearing tested when I could not figure out "threw me like a "dove?" "dog?" "doll?" or "dart?"
