Originally performing gospel music at local churches, the group billed themselves as The Four Star Quartet, and later The Kingsmen. In 1963, when the song "Louie, Louie" by the garage rock band also called The Kingsmen became famous, the group elected to bill themselves as The Statler Brothers. Despite the name, only two members of the group (Don and Harold Reid) are actual brothers and none have the surname of "Statler". The band, in fact, named themselves after a brand of facial tissue they had noticed in a hotel room (they joked that they could have turned out to be the Kleenex Brothers). Don Reid sang lead. Harold Reid, Don's older brother, sang bass. Phil Balsley sang baritone and Jimmy Fortune sang tenor after replacing original tenor Lew DeWitt in the early 1980s due to the latter's ill health. DeWitt died on August 15, 1990 of heart and kidney disease, stemming from complications of Crohn's disease.
The band's style was closely linked to their gospel roots. "We took gospel harmonies," said Harold Reid, "and put them over in country music."
The group remained closely tied to their gospel roots, with a majority of their records containing at least one gospel song. They produced several albums containing only gospel music and recorded a tribute song to the Blackwood Brothers, who influenced their music. The Statler Brothers also wrote a tribute song to Johnny Cash, who discovered them. The song was called "We Got Paid by Cash", and it reminisces about their time with Cash
Since forming, the Statler Brothers have released over 40 albums. They received Grammy Awards in 1966 and 1973. Two of their best-known songs are their first big hit, Flowers on the Wall, and the socially-conscious Bed of Roses. Late in their career they had a regular variety show on the cable television channel then known as The Nashville Network. Throughout their career, much of their appeal was related to their considerable ability for comedy and parody that they frequently interspersed into their musical act; they were frequently nominated for awards for their comedy as well as their singing. They recorded two comedy albums as Lester Moran and the Cadillac Cowboys, and one-half of one side of the album Country Music Then and Now was also devoted to satirizing small-town radio stations' Saturday morning shows.
The group disbanded and retired after completing a farewell tour on October 26, 2002. Balsley and the Reid brothers continue to reside in Staunton, while Fortune has relocated to Nashville, where he is continuing his music career as a solo artist. He has released three albums as a soloist. The Statlers continue to be the most awarded act in the history of country music.
Since the Statlers' retirement in 2002, Don has pursued a second career as an author. He authored or co-authored three books: Heroes and Outlaws of the Bible, Sunday Morning Memories, and You'll Know It's Christmas When.... He and Harold co-wrote a history of the Statler Brothers titled Random Memories released in February 2008.
The Statler Brothers have been credited as the first country music act to transfer the genre's nostalgia from a rural to a suburban setting. They have also been called "America's Poets" by Kurt Vonnegut.
Grandma
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And she held to his hand, till the end
And just before his final breath, the one that took him into death
A smile and tear showed through, like she already knew
And in a voice so low and mild
She stayed and talked a while
Like a friend home form a long long trip
Whenever Grandma got blue, like only widows do
She'd go to their bedroom, and close the door
And for years we thought she prayed, by the bed where he had laid
But we only could assume, what went on in Grandma's room
And in a voice so low and mild
She stayed and talked a while
Like a friend home from a long long trip
Like a mother to a child
She knew a week before the old barn burned down
And she knew before we told her, when Jack had that wreck in town
And the night before ant Julia passed away, she went over there and stayed
And I finally asked her just how she could know all this
And she just patted my hand and gave me a kiss
And in a voice so low and mild
She said I talked with Jim a while
Like a friend home form a long long trip
Like a mother to a child
Like a friend home from a long long trip
Like a mother to a child
The Statler Brothers' song "Grandma" is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a woman who has experienced the joys and sorrows that life has to offer, including the death of her beloved husband. The lyrics tell a story of the singer's grandmother who remained by her grandfather's side until his very last breath, showing a strength and resilience that is truly inspiring.
The song also speaks of the grandmother's ability to sense things that others cannot, as though she has a special connection to the afterlife. She seems to have an almost prophetic sense of when tragedy is about to strike, and is able to comfort those around her with her wisdom and gentle guidance. Despite the many challenges she has faced in her life, "Grandma" is a song that celebrates the enduring love and quiet strength of a woman who has truly lived.
Line by Line Meaning
The day Grandaddy died, she was there by his side
Grandma was present by her husband's side when he died
And she held to his hand, till the end
Grandma held her husband's hand until he died
And just before his final breath, the one that took him into death
Grandaddy took his final breath before dying
A smile and tear showed through, like she already knew
Grandma displayed a mix of emotions, like she was already aware that her husband was going to die
And in a voice so low and mild
Grandma spoke in a soft, gentle tone
She stayed and talked a while
Grandma stayed and had a conversation with her husband
Like a friend home from a long long trip
Grandma spoke to her husband as if they were friends who haven't seen each other in a long time
Like a mother to a child
Grandma spoke to her husband in a caring, nurturing way
Whenever Grandma got blue, like only widows do
Grandma felt sad and down, as only someone who lost their spouse could
She'd go to their bedroom, and close the door
Grandma would go to the bedroom she shared with her husband and shut the door
And for years we thought she prayed, by the bed where he had laid
People assumed that Grandma prayed by her husband's bedside for years after he died
But we only could assume, what went on in Grandma's room
No one knew for sure what Grandma did or felt when she went into her bedroom
She knew a week before the old barn burned down
Grandma knew a week before the old barn burned down
And she knew before we told her, when Jack had that wreck in town
Grandma knew before being told that Jack had an accident in town
And the night before ant Julia passed away, she went over there and stayed
Grandma went to visit and stayed with Aunt Julia the night before she died
And I finally asked her just how she could know all this
Someone asked Grandma how she knew about what was going to happen
And she just patted my hand and gave me a kiss
Grandma showed her affection by patting their hand and giving them a kiss
She said I talked with Jim a while
Grandma revealed that she had spoken with her deceased husband
Like a friend home form a long long trip
Grandma spoke to her husband as if he had just returned from a long trip
Like a mother to a child
Grandma spoke to her husband in the same way she had spoken to her children when they were younger
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chocolatefeet54
This is one of my absolute favorite Statler Brothers' song. I don't know why I like it so much, but next to You've Been Like a Mother to Me and Nothing as Original as You, I just love this song. It makes me think of my grandma.
@dvdman49
Thanks for the listen and comment
@mssandy90
Total class. They wrote alot of great music. This one sounds like something they wrote. I know we have this song on one their albums. We bought everthing they reocrded. Thanks for the post.
@carolinasbeauty
I love this song. It reminds me of my mother's parents. I cry every time. Thanks so much for the post. I wish I could find it live!
@BudGray
Certainly the very best singing group ever in my opinion.
@dvdman49
Bud Gray I think so too. thanks for the listen!
@connienania486
What a class act song about Dad really hit the heartstrings Fathers day being yesterday they were my favorite have many albums on vinyl will never part with them
@joyceobrien8453
The Statler Brothers was and always be the best singers that ever got on a stage ...I saw them 22 times in person...and would have seen the alot more if they had retired...ive never heard a bad song that they did........I've been to their home town....I truely love these guys..
@carolynhalbert8769
Have always loved them...esp Here We Are Again...pertains to hubby and me. They are the best of the best tho miss Lew Dewitt. Have lots of their cds...♡ Love you lots... singer perfection. Catching them online and utube is a new happy experience.
@libertyann439
joyce oBrien
I used to go to Staunton,VA to see them ever July 4th. I lived for those great shows and the fireworks💥🎉🇺🇸