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.
Wedding Bells
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You wanted me to see you change your name.
I couldn't stand to see you with another,
but Dear I hope you're happy just the same.
Chorus
Wedding bells are ringing in the Chapel
They should be ringing for you and me,
those wedding bells wil never ring for me.
I fancy that I see a dozen roses
A blossom from an orange tree in your hair
And while the organ plays I Love You Truly,
let me just pretend that I am there.
Go to chorus
In the song "Wedding Bells" by The Statler Brothers, the singer has received an invitation from his former lover to attend her wedding. She wanted him to witness her change her name, but he cannot bear the thought of her being with someone else. However, despite his heartache, he still wishes her happiness. As wedding bells ring in the chapel, the singer can only imagine himself there with his former love, twirling an orange blossom in her hair and pretending that he too is getting married.
The lyrics of this song are heartbreaking yet beautiful. The singer's deep sadness and longing for his former love are palpable, as he watches her marry someone else. However, he still wishes her every happiness, showing that despite the pain of lost love, he still harbors deep feelings for her. The use of sensory imagery, such as the orange blossom and the sound of the organ, adds to the emotional intensity of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I have the invitation that your sent me.
I have received the invitation sent by you.
You wanted me to see you change your name.
You wished for me to witness you changing your name.
I couldn't stand to see you with another,
I couldn't bear to see you with someone else.
but Dear I hope you're happy just the same.
But, my dear, I hope you’re still happy.
Wedding bells are ringing in the Chapel
The wedding bells are ringing in the chapel.
They should be ringing for you and me,
The bells should be ringing for us.
but down the aisle with someone else you're walking
But instead, you are walking down the aisle with someone else.
those wedding bells wil never ring for me.
Those wedding bells will never ring for me.
I fancy that I see a dozen roses
I imagine seeing a dozen roses.
A blossom from an orange tree in your hair
A flower from an orange tree in your hair.
And while the organ plays I Love You Truly,
And as the organ plays 'I Love You Truly',
let me just pretend that I am there.
Let me pretend as if I’m there.
Wedding bells are ringing in the Chapel
The wedding bells are ringing in the chapel.
They should be ringing for you and me,
The bells should be ringing for us.
but down the aisle with someone else you're walking
But instead, you are walking down the aisle with someone else.
those wedding bells wil never ring for me.
Those wedding bells will never ring for me.
Contributed by Natalie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.