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.
Hollywood
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got out me here like I knew you would
And you have hooked me with your magic lure
And that's the cure for Hollywood and that's for sure
Hollywood
You have a way of making dreams come true
Anyone can see there's a different me
Hollywood (Hollywood)
You make me think of things that no one should
Your beauty has become a legend now
Take a bow for Hollywood and show me how
Hollywood
I feel I'm on the verge of somethin' grand
Who can make you feel good, I know Holly could
If only Hollywood
(Instrumental Break)
Hollywood (Hollywood)
You've got me out here like I knew you would
And you have hooked me with your magic lure
And that's the cure for Hollywood and that's for sure
Hollywood
You have a way of making dreams come true
Anyone can see there's a different me
'Cos that's in Hollywood
Anyone can see there's a different me
'Cos that's in Hollywood
The Statler Brothers’ song Hollywood is a tribute to Tinseltown and its power to draw people in with its beguiling charms. The lyrics express the singer’s fascination with the allure of Hollywood and how it can make dreams come true, but also how it can create an unhealthy infatuation that turns one’s perceptions of reality askew. The first verse starts off by acknowledging that Hollywood is living up to its reputation of being irresistible and entrancing, and luring the singer in with its “magic lure”. The second verse nods to the power of Hollywood in making the impossible possible, while also hinting at the singer’s changed self-perception since coming to Hollywood. The singer feels like there is a “different me” in Hollywood, a reference to the way people can get caught up in the movie industry's unrealistic beauty standards and unattainable lifestyles.
The chorus repeats the admiration for Hollywood’s ability to make dreams come true, though also admitting that it can create dangerous illusions. The instrumental break reflects the emotional pull Hollywood has on the singer, and the second half of the song repeats the sentiments of the first half. Overall, the Statler Brothers’ Hollywood encapsulates both the allure and the danger of Hollywood and the mythos surrounding it.
Line by Line Meaning
Hollywood (Hollywood)
Addressing the location of Hollywood while repeating its name for emphasis.
You've got out me here like I knew you would
Acknowledging the allure of Hollywood and the inevitability of succumbing to it.
And you have hooked me with your magic lure
Describing the irresistible draw of Hollywood.
And that's the cure for Hollywood and that's for sure
Implying that the only way to cure oneself of the draw of Hollywood is to succumb to it.
Hollywood
Addressing the location of Hollywood.
You have a way of making dreams come true
Noting the ability of Hollywood to make dreams come true.
Anyone can see there's a different me
Suggesting that the version of oneself in Hollywood is different from anywhere else.
'Cos that's in Hollywood
Justifying the difference in oneself by citing the influence of Hollywood.
You make me think of things that no one should
Implying that Hollywood can lead one to consider taboo thoughts or behaviors.
Your beauty has become a legend now
Praising the beauty and reputation of Hollywood.
Take a bow for Hollywood and show me how
Encouraging Hollywood to take credit for its power and demonstrate its abilities.
I feel I'm on the verge of somethin' grand
Expressing a sense of anticipation and hope for success in Hollywood.
Who can make you feel good, I know Holly could
Asserting the ability of Hollywood to provide pleasure and satisfaction.
If only Hollywood
Expressing a desire to be in Hollywood and acknowledging its power.
Anyone can see there's a different me
Repeating the previously-stated assertion that being in Hollywood changes one's identity.
'Cos that's in Hollywood
Reiterating the idea that Hollywood has a distinct effect on one's sense of self.
Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Beautiful Country Schlager! The Mavericks immortalised!
kevinfan726
thanks, I've always loved this song.