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.
In the Garden
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses.
And he walks with me and he talks with me
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
--- Instrumental ---
He speaks and the sound of his voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that he gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
None other has ever known...
The Statler Brothers' song In the Garden is a hymn that speaks of the peace and intimacy that a person can experience through prayer and reflection, particularly in a garden or natural setting. The first stanza describes the singer's solitude in the garden, as he listens to the voice of Jesus Christ. The second stanza speaks of the beauty of the sound of Christ's voice, which is said to quiet the singing of birds. The chorus emphasizes the connection and bond the singer feels with Christ, as they walk and talk together.
The lyrics are poetic and powerful, expressing a deep sense of peace and comfort that can be found in spending time with God. The garden setting is a powerful metaphor for the beauty and tranquility of the relationship between the singer and Christ, which is intimate and private. The imagery of the roses covered with dew evokes a sense of freshness and renewal, while Christ's voice is said to be sweeter than the birds' songs.
Overall, In the Garden is a hymn that inspires reflection and contemplation, urging listeners to seek out moments of solitude and connection with God. Its simple, yet profound lyrics resonate with many people, and the song has become a beloved classic in the genre of Christian hymns.
Line by Line Meaning
I come to the garden alone
I come to spend some quiet time in solitude
While the dew is still on the roses
While the morning dew is still fresh on the flowers
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
And I hear a voice in my mind
The son of God discloses.
Which I believe to be the voice of Jesus Christ revealing Himself to me
And he walks with me and he talks with me
Jesus is present with me and we have conversations
And he tells me I am his own
Jesus reassures me that I belong to Him
And the joy we share as we tarry there
We experience a deep sense of joy being together in this garden
None other has ever known.
No one else can understand the depth of this unique experience
--- Instrumental ---
An interlude without vocals
He speaks and the sound of his voice
Jesus speaks to me and His voice is sweet and calming
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
His voice is so sweet that even the birds stop singing to hear Him
And the melody that he gave to me
Jesus also gives me a beautiful melody to cherish
Within my heart is ringing.
That melody resonates within my heart and brings me peace
And he walks with me and he talks with me
Jesus continues to be present with me and we still converse
And he tells me I am his own
He confirms again that I am His and He is mine
And the joy we share as we tarry there
We continue to experience a unique joy together in this garden
None other has ever known.
No one else can comprehend the beauty of this fellowship
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mc983
My dad always sang this to me,brings backwoods memories
@carolsuegedling9941
My Mother sang this all of my life. I can just hear her singing in Gods choir!!! I’m 74 and will sing with them one day because Jesus paid for our sins on the cross!!!
@user-lm8vi7nh3s
Hallelujah. Amen. You werd so blessed
@dawnlake5850
This is one of my favorite songs that I've heard of a long time ago and it really hit me pretty hard when I heard it on my tablet right now because it was one of my dad's favorite songs.
@user-lm8vi7nh3s
The Statlers bring these old favorites right back up to top place.. I love all these old hymns
@JudyWhewell-rp9tu
I love the voices of them all❤
@Angel756Hannah
It was my Dad's favorite song, too. I miss him, but know he is safe in the arms of Jesus and he can now walk in that garden. Love this music!!
@jerseytomato100
The gospel song was my favorite part of their TV show. They sounded amazing, loved Jimmy's high notes.
@judithoverfield9179
This has to be one of my all time gospel songs. I get the shivers when I hear it. I love the harmony the Statler Brothers have. Thank you so much for uploading this song as well as the others. It is so very much appreciated by a lot of people.
@ihatezaxbysihatedominos9849
It is but it makes me sad because my Mimi who is no longer with us loved it-but I know where she is, and He walks with her.