In 1963, Johnny Cash met four talented young men at the Roanoke Fair in Virginia. Impressed by their vocals, Cash hired them on the spot. This marked the beginning of a decade-long journey for the group, known as the Statler Brothers. They traveled and performed with the legendary “Man in Black,” inspiring their own song, “We Got Paid by Cash.” But it was another song, “More than a Name on the Wall,” that truly captured the hearts of America.
The Statler Brothers, comprised of Don and Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt, originally had to change the name of their quartet to differentiate themselves from another group called The Kingsmen. While brainstorming new names in a hotel room, Don noticed a box of Statler brand tissues, and the name stuck.
Their country and gospel-infused harmonies caught the attention of Johnny Cash at the Roanoke Fair. Cash, who was promoting his album, quickly hired them. Over the next 10 years, the Statler Brothers toured, recorded, and appeared on TV with Cash, learning the ins and outs of the music business.
In 1965, the Statler Brothers achieved great success with their genre-bending song, “Flowers on the Wall,” which surpassed even the Beatles and the Supremes on the charts. This led to their first two Grammy Awards. The song’s popularity soared again in 1994 when it appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction.
Despite their own success, the Statler Brothers were grateful for the guidance and support they received from Johnny Cash. Their 12-year run saw the release of over 40 albums and multiple awards, including being named the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year nine times.
The group even had their own variety show on The Nashville Network from 1991 to 1998, which became the most popular show in the network’s history. One particular episode featured the emotionally-charged song, “More Than a Name on the Wall.” Written by Jimmy Fortune, the song depicted the Vietnam Memorial wall and the 58,381 fallen soldiers whose names were etched on it. It touched the hearts of viewers across America.
Fortune, who joined the group after DeWitt’s departure and subsequent passing, wrote the song as a tribute to the soldiers and their families. He was inspired by the profound impact of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The song serves as a reminder that each name represents a person with a story, loved ones, and cherished memories. They are more than just a name on a wall.
The Statler Brothers’ journey came to an end in April 2020 when Harold Reid passed away after battling kidney failure. Their music continues to resonate with people of all ages and their legacy lives on.
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If you enjoyed reading about the Statler Brothers, make sure to check out our article on the memories of Johnny Cash’s son.
