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.
Mary
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wise Men from afar Followed a star
Angels did sing To the new baby King
And the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
Kings from the east gave gifts when they came
An angel of God gave Jesus His name
That night cast a spell That the ages will tell
Love finds its place In a world full of grace
Men lost in sin Start new again
Still thankful we sing To the Baby our King
As the world glows with Mary's Sweet Smile
Kings from the east gave gifts when they came
An angel of God gave Jesus His name
That night cast a spell That the ages will tell
As the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
The song "Mary" by The Statler Brothers pays homage to the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It paints a picturesque portrait of the events surrounding His birth in Bethlehem. The shepherd's fear is palpable as the star shines bright and leads the wise men from afar to the manger where the new baby King lays. Angels sing in praise, and the glow of Mary's smile shines upon the world. The song then moves into the wise men presenting their gifts to the new King, an angel of God giving Him His name- Jesus, and the enchantment of that night, which is still told through the ages. The lyrics express the love that is found in the world full of grace and the new beginning that is possible through the birth of Jesus. It ends with a thankfulness as the world still glows radiantly with Mary's sweet smile.
Line by Line Meaning
Shepherds in fear Of a light that shone near
Frightened shepherds were spooked by a bright light in proximity
Wise Men from afar Followed a star
Intelligent men from a distance pursued a star
Angels did sing To the new baby King
Celestial messengers sang in honor of the newborn king
And the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
The universe shone with the radiance of Mary's kind grin
Kings from the east gave gifts when they came
Monarchs from the orient presented offerings upon arrival
An angel of God gave Jesus His name
A divine envoy bestowed Jesus with his moniker
That night cast a spell That the ages will tell
That evening created magic that future generations will recount
As the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
While the globe gleamed with the beauty of Mary's pleasant countenance
Love finds its place In a world full of grace
Affection establishes its position amidst a benevolent realm
Men lost in sin Start new again
Sinful individuals experience fresh starts
Still thankful we sing To the Baby our King
We remain grateful as we serenade the infant king
As the world glows with Mary's Sweet Smile
While the planet beams with the loveliness of Mary's endearing expression
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON S. REID, HAROLD WILSON REID, JIMMY FORTUNE, PHILIP E. BALSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind