Johnny Cash met a group of gifted teenage singers by chance at the Virginia Roanoke Fair in 1963, while he was enjoying the popularity of *Ring of Fire*. With just a handshake, Cash persuaded the Statler Brothers to join his tour because he was so struck by their unique sound and rich harmonies. The song *We Got Paid by Cash*, which honored their journey with the country great, was inspired by their cooperation, which would extend for more than ten years.
Let’s examine their past in order to learn more about this well-known group, which is well-known for the heartfelt song *More Than a Name on the Wall*. When another band became popular with the song *Louie Louie* in 1963, the group, which had previously been known as The Kingsmen, had to alter their name. Members Don and Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt came up with new names while staying at a motel. Don was inspired to start The Statler Brothers after spotting a box of Statler tissues. “We could have ended up as The Kleenex Brothers,” Don quipped, reflecting on the fortunate decision.
When Johnny Cash saw them perform at the Roanoke Fair in Salem, Virginia, it was their big break. Cash was enthralled by their smooth fusion of country and gospel music and asked them to travel with him right away. The handshake that cemented their agreement began a successful and enduring collaboration without contracts or procedures.
Don Reid reportedly described his relationship with Cash as “a living, breathing encyclopedia of music.” The Statler Brothers recorded hit songs, went on a lot of TV appearances, and toured a lot with Cash during the course of the following 10 years. *Flowers on the Wall*, which peaked at the top of both mainstream and country charts and won them two Grammy Awards, including Best New Country and Western Artist, was their breakout hit in 1965. They even outperformed well-known acts like The Beatles and The Supremes, which is evidence of their success.
When the song “Flowers on the Wall” appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film “Pulp Fiction,” it attracted new recognition. The song played on the vehicle radio during a notable sequence starring Bruce Willis as Butch, contributing to the soundtrack’s over a million copies sold. “Bruce Willis doesn’t often do favors for people, but he sure did for us,” Harold Reid jokingly said later.
Beyond just their music, Johnny Cash had a significant impact on The Statler Brothers. “Touring with Cash was like getting a crash course in the music business,” Reid once said. We gained important knowledge on what to do and what not to do.
The Statler Brothers won numerous honors and put out more than 40 albums over their 12-year career, making them one of the most adored country music groups. They started their own variety program on The Nashville Network (TNN) in 1991 and were often nominated for the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year award. Harold Reid’s humorous skills were showcased in the show, which swiftly rose to the top of the ratings.
Their rendition of Jimmy Fortune’s moving song *More Than a Name on the Wall* was one of the most moving parts of their performance. Following Lew DeWitt’s departure due to health concerns, Fortune joined the group. The poignant tale of a mother paying tribute to her son, one of the 58,381 servicemen whose names are inscribed on the wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is told in the song. Fortune discussed the overwhelming sensation of being in front of the memorial as the song’s inspiration in an interview. Every one of those interminable rows of names symbolizes a person and a tale. They are more than just names on a wall, I knew then.
Harold Reid tragically lost his fight with kidney illness in April 2020. Nonetheless, admirers all throughout the world are still moved by his and the Statler Brothers’ legacy.
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