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's Sweet Smile
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 lyrics of the song "Mary's Sweet Smile" by The Statler Brothers talk about the birth of Jesus Christ and how it brought joy and hope to the world. The first verse mentions the fear of the shepherds and how the wise men followed a star to find the baby. The chorus talks about how angels sang about the new baby King and how Mary's smile brought light to the world.
The second verse mentions the gifts brought by the kings from the east and how an angel gave Jesus His name. The last verse talks about how love finds its place in a world full of grace and how even though men may be lost in sin, they can start anew and sing thanks to the Baby King. The chorus repeats, emphasizing how the world is filled with Mary's sweet smile.
The song is a beautiful reminder of the hope and joy that surrounded the birth of Jesus, and how His presence continues to bring light to the world. It is a celebration of the Christmas story and the power of love and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Shepherds in fear Of a light that shone near
The shepherds were afraid of the bright light that appeared close to them
Wise Men from afar Followed a star
The Wise Men traveled a long distance following a shining star
Angels did sing To the new baby King
The angels sang for the new born King
And the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
Mary's smile brought light to the whole world
Kings from the east gave gifts when they came
When the eastern kings arrived, they brought gifts
An angel of God gave Jesus His name
God's angel named the baby Jesus
That night cast a spell That the ages will tell
That night created a memory that people will remember for years to come
As the world glowed with Mary's Sweet Smile
The whole world was lit up by Mary's beautiful smile
Love finds its place In a world full of grace
Love belongs in a world that is full of grace
Men lost in sin Start new again
Even those who have sinned can start afresh
Still thankful we sing To the Baby our King
We are grateful and sing praises to Baby Jesus, our King
As the world glows with Mary's Sweet Smile
Mary's radiant smile illuminates the entire world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON S. REID, HAROLD WILSON REID, JIMMY FORTUNE, PHILIP E. BALSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind