The Statler Brothers - I'll Go To My Grave Loving You (1975 - Pop Goes The Country)
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2011
- Named after a brand of tissues, the four members of the Statler Brothers did not in fact share a fraternal bond; what they did share, however, was the distinction of being one of the most successful vocal harmony groups in the history of country music. Formed in the group's home base of Staunton, VA, in 1955, the Statlers were originally a church trio comprised of bass vocalist Harold Reid (born August 21, 1939), baritone Phil Balsley (August 8, 1939), and tenor Lew DeWitt (March 8, 1938). In 1960, Reid's younger brother Don (born June 5, 1945) signed on to take the lead vocal reins, and the quartet performed gospel music under the name the Kingsmen.
After arranging a meeting with the promotional department for a local Johnny Cash concert, the Kingsmen were asked to open the performance. Cash was so impressed that he invited the group to join the tour, and after changing their name to the Statler Brothers, they remained on the road with Cash from 1963 to 1971. The Statlers signed to Columbia Records in 1964 and a year later scored a huge country and pop hit with DeWitt's "Flowers on the Wall," which also lent its name to their 1966 debut album. 1967's The Statler Brothers Sing the Big Hits held true to its title's promise, generating a pair of Top Ten singles in "Ruthless" and "You Can't Have Your Kate and Edith, Too."
In 1969, the quartet moved to Mercury Records, where they remained for over two decades; their first single for the label, 1970's "Bed of Rose's," was a Top Ten hit. In the same year, they held their first Fourth of July picnic; for decades, the celebration remained an annual holiday staple, drawing tens of thousands of fans each summer. Throughout the first half of the 1970s, the Statlers remained fixtures on the Top 40 charts thanks to a string of nostalgic singles like 1972's "Do You Remember These" and "The Class of '57," 1973's "Carry Me Back," and 1974's "Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott." Their LPs of the period were often concept records: 1972's The Statler Brothers Sing Country Symphonies in E Major was whimsically formatted like an orchestral performance (complete with side-break "intermission"), while 1975's joint release Holy Bible/Old Testament and Holy Bible/New Testament fulfilled a long-standing dream to record a gospel project. 1973's Alive at the Johnny Mack Brown High School, on the other hand, was a tongue-in-cheek effort recorded under the group's comic alias Lester "Roadhog" Moran & the Cadillac Cowboys.
The sentimental "I'll Go to My Grave Loving You" was a Top Five hit in 1975 and was included on the Statlers' first best-of compilation, released later in the same year. After a series of Top Ten hits that included 1977's "The Movies" (another recurring Statler theme) and "I Was There," they earned their first chart-topper in 1978 with "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine," from the album Entertainers...on & off the Record. In 1980 the Statler Brothers celebrated their first decade on Mercury with 10th Anniversary, which featured the smash "Charlotte's Web," taken from the film Smokey and the Bandit, Pt. 2, in which the group also co-starred.
After 1982's The Legend Goes On, DeWitt was forced to leave the group as a result of Crohn's disease; the illness ultimately killed him on August 15, 1990. The remaining Statlers tapped Jimmy Fortune as his successor, and immediately Fortune earned the group its second number one with his "Elizabeth" (an homage to actress Elizabeth Taylor), from the album Today. Their next two LPs, 1984's Atlanta Blue and 1985's Pardners in Rhyme, were credited to simply the Statlers; each record generated a number one hit -- "My Only Love" and "Too Much on My Heart," respectively -- again composed by Fortune. They returned as the Statler Brothers for the 1986 inspirational release Radio Gospel Favorites, followed later in the year by Four for the Show. 1987's Maple Street Memories produced the Top Ten single "Forever"; 1989's "More Than a Name on the Wall," which peaked at number six, was their last significant hit. They continued releasing albums, however, and in addition to remaining a popular touring act in the 1990s, the Statler Brothers also hosted a long-running variety show on TNN.
In 2002, the Statler Brothers announced their retirement from the road. On October 26, they played their last concert at the 10,000-seat Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA, not far from Staunton, where they'd started and where they continued to maintain their headquarters. ~Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
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You just can't beat real Country like this, and this is real Country.
wow. this song is nearly 50 years old. still one of the best songs and best groups ever.
Me and my girlfriend used to spend Saturday nights riding and listening to these songs on 8 track.We were engaged but cancer took her the summer we were to be married.That was 42 years ago and I never found anyone else.
So sad, man :(
Susan Cantrell, I was married to my husband for 41 wonderful years, before he passed away. He also wanted me to play this song at his funeral. I did
Hey how are you doing today…?😊
Great job ma'am...I ask my kids to play my favorite songs at my funeral...music has helped me thru this life
My husband always loved this song. and asked me to have it played at his funeral if he should pass before me..He passed away in April of 2004, after a short seven week battle with lung cancer. On his last trip to the hospital, he was more concerned about me than himself so he spent most of our time in the emergency room telling me jokes.. there wasn't a day in our 33 years together that he didn't tell me he loved me, or kiss me goodbye., and that's the way he left this earth..I honored his wishes and had this played at this funeral.
+Susan Cantrell I'm sorry for your loss, Susan, but I envy you having a love like that.
+Susan Cantrell God bless you, honey!
+Susan Cantrell God Bless you and your Heavenly Husband.
You have my deepest condolences; what a sweet story of love and devotion! I envy you having such a beautiful relationship with your husband; I have been married twice and neither one lasted and I don't have the heart to go through it again! You are a lucky lady! Kudos!!!
True Love
The nostalgia of music is a bittersweet thing. I can close my eyes and it's late Sunday morning and I am waking up to the sound of The Statler Brothers being played so loud I can barely hear the vacuum cleaner. The windows are open, and a cool breeze fills my parents’ home with a slight chill and the pleasant aromas of Spring. I'll get out of bed and mom will stop what she is doing, but not turn off the music, to make me breakfast before kicking me out of the house for the rest of the day. My mom's been gone for well over twenty years, but I cannot hear the Statler Brothers and not think of her.
My late husband of 49 years used to sing this song to me! He now sings n God’s Heavenly Choir!
Hello how are you doing today…?
Let's hope there are some Statler Brothers songs up there.
The Statlers were so much more than four guys singing together. Their harmonizing and vocal blending was superb.
Love the Statlers! My favorite of all time.
They were the best.
My opinion is that they still are. Miss all the great songs from that time period, and I try to listen to them when ever I can.
Another time and place. Never to be seen again.
I have always Loved these guys.
I'm 74 year old now. I grew up listening to the Statler Brothers. Their voices blend so beautifully. Thank the good Lord for Harold and Lew, they are resting in the arms of Jesus now. God divinely sent Jimmy to you. I just thank you for your testimony and singing down through the years. I have been blessed.
Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan... Stay Safe!
There will Never be another Country Group like the Statlers
This is the song I would send to my soul mate who passed away in 1991.
Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan... Stay Safe!
I could put this song on repeat and not get tired of it. This live performance is better than the album.
Rest In Peace Harold. You’ll be missed
One of the best bass singers of all time.
Woody R you’re not joking, he’s the best one I’ve ever heard in my entire life
love them
I love these guys!
It didn't and doesn't get any better
Lew had an amazing tenor voice. No one compares.
I read a couple articles on him, courtesy of the internet. He was very humble and down to earth. But he suffered from crohns disease most of his life. I'm glad I got to see them in concert 4 times in the 1980's. They were the best.i still listen to their music in 2024.
Lew is amazing. Don Rich was another great.
Never ever be any group of Brothers to Compare
Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan... Stay Safe!
I THANK MY MOMA FOR ALWAYS LISTEN TO COUNTRY MUSIC. I LOVE THE STATLER BROTHERS I MISS YOU MOMA 2/ 26/ 2022
Hello, I'm 55, saw The Statlers 3 times in Michigan back in the day, Loved em then and still do. No other group could sound that good. Many favorite songs, too many to list. LOVE STATLERS.❤❤❤❤❤
This group was my favorite when it came to harmony and they had a sense of humor as well. They gave us years of enjoyment and still do every time we play em again. Thanks guys! Rest in Peace Harold
For a Teen in the 70s,who Hated Country Music, I did like 1972's 'Do you remember these?' The in 1986 when Pop Music went to Sh&*, and (C)rap came along, Country started sounding better. One of my First Country Cassettes was "The Best of the Statler Brothers". I still listen to the Album as mp3 in my current cars. Great Singers. I have the Farwell Concert DVD, and it too is excellent
This was my Daddy's Favorite Song for my Mama. He had it played all the time for Her. We All Know He Truly in His Heart Really Lived the Words for Mama ...
Hello how are you doing today…?😊
My mom was a Pentecostal Christian, my Dad was off to war in Vietnam ... this is my memory....wow..
imagine that... 4 guys just standin. n singin. I miss this country music
Imagine that. No fireworks necessary, just talent and a real connection with their audience. A bunch of today's artists think they need a circus to hold their audience. Maybe they do, but even with the theatrics their version of country doesn't grab me like this.
me too
There never be another group like the statler Brothers they were very gifted together
Me too
And it's forgettable. Imagine that.
Greatest harmonies in country music history! And what a smooth bass!
From a time when music had meaning and people not only understood it, but it touched our hearts. Today's music leaves a lot to be desired. It is not country but a big mess. Great song from a great group. Thanks
Tractor rap.
I love it. tractor rap that's awesome
I agree
this can touch your heart easily
try Leonard Cohen for
My husband and I both love and loved this song. I was a bigger Statler brothers fan than he was but he still loved them. I lost him this past New Years Eve suddenly, without warning. We had said goodnight the night before about 9:00-10:00. He had gotten up sometime in the middle of the night and had a massive heart attack and fell to the floor. I found him the next morning around 9:00. The coroner said, in his estimation, he had been gone around 8-10 hours! I've never been in as much shock! We were married 41 years.....together about 43 years. I know without a doubt that he went to his grave loving me! When we'd hear this song he would always say "that's absolutely how I feel and it's the truth". I miss him so much. I don't know how to get through each day without him! I'm leaning on God to get me through!!
My husband and I use to sing this song to each other. It was on his lips as he slowly went to to his Lord. I miss him so much. It will soon be 3 years, and I love him still today.
You could spend a long time looking for a group more talented than The Statler Brothers. Basically, it doesn't get much better than this.
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
I lost my husband nearly eight years ago and today I found this song if I could tell my husband the word of this song he would know that I’ll go to my grave loving him
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
R.I.P Harold Reid my thoughts and prayers goes out to his family and to the Statler Brothers they lost a brother and a true friend ...
RIP Harold. You are sorely missed by many.
I hope Harold went to his grave knowing how much we love him
Nothing will ever match them for the beauty of the harmony and the sincerity they sang with. What a gift. I come here a lot just to remember how great country music used to be.
AMEN I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY😇🙏💃👻👀
Without a doubt the greatest country group of all time!
Without a doubt. When my husband was far away I played all the Statler albums over and over. They kept me company until his return. They are the best.
have to agree although the Oak ridge boys come in a close 2nd
Yeah, I completely disagree with you. The Statler Brothers are the greatest group of all time period. No need to put "country" in there.
Sorry, I'll concede they're a good group, but greatest Country group? Not a chance, as pointed out, there's the Oak Ridge Boys, but there's also Alabama, Shenandoah, and the super-group, The Highwaymen.
@@Ejvan3376 Not even close. They hit top 5 country groups, but come nowhere near greatest group. You have The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, the Beach Boys, (and if duets count as groups) The Righteous Brothers and Jan and Dean. Good group, to be sure, but not a top group.
To all of you who took the time to comment and share how this song has touched you...thank you very kindly.
Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. But still.....Thank You so much!
Ink ml pom kip nhi no no no mop mop m.p, zzzz
My husband past in September, 29 years together, I played this at his funeral
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS IN THE WORLD!
Absolutely right Paula.
@@killerseddie8295 tru dat
Lew was very unique. The Statlers had a sound all their own and everyone of them was unique. That is what made them so special. I will go my grave loving the Statler Brothers Thanks for the post.
Harold Reid R.I.P.
Hello how are you doing today…?😊
Impeccable harmony.❤️❤️
They are the best.
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
I am an Australian,but have always loved the Statler Brothers.
Hey how are you doing today…?😊
R. I. P. Harold. To the words if this song...they hold great meaning to me. Great Song. Great Group of singers too.
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
I have known you since day one. Please RIP Harold.
Have fallen in love with Lee DeWitt His voice is a beautiful gift he shares with us.
Hi dear how are you doing over there ?
my daddy use to sing this song to my mommy..now they are both gone..BUT THIS SONG WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART..💜 MISS YOU BOTH.
Tears.
I'm sorry for your loss
Their voices were incredible.
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
Rest in peace Lew Dewitt your backup singing won't be matched.
Jimmy is very close. It is great that Lew himself chose Jimmy to replace him.
Lew Dewitt wasn't a backup singer , the Statler Brothers were a quartet. They sang as one.
the best ever
This song still brings tears to my eyes. It was one of my little brother's favorite songs. He passed away way back in 1983 and hearing this song today...took me right back there and so started the water works. Funny, huh.
Patrick Roberts late for the comment, sorry about your brother. Can't even imagine the pain
Middy Darius Thank you for your kind words.
Patrick Roberts I'm very sorry about your brother. Hopefully this song brings back a lot good memories as well.
This song pretty much captures what I felt/feel after my divorce. It hasn't changed. She took a piece of my soul with her. Sorry is not a big enough word.
I know, me too. I will always love him. The heart wants what the heart want.
Don't you ever wonder what might have been and don't you ever wonder what HE thought about all of it? In my case, SHE actually might have come out of it all in a better place...a bit humbling to say the least.
webspyder and Gigi Mallard
Be happy that you had something left for the ones you love (d) Concerning myself I had been sapped of all of that, and by the time she left I had nothing left for her when she left. dealing with a User and abuser for 18 years. So after a time and help with dealing with alcoholics I moved on and am happier than ever. and focus on what I want rather than what I had. Good luck to you two.
@@gigimallard7883 0
I'm one proud Virginian watching my state's native sons show how it's done.
RIP Harold, honey U were one of my favorite Staters ;-)
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
Absolutely love this song the harmony they had it’s just such a beautiful song
R.I.P. Harold Reid. Thank you for decades of your bass voice.
I remember exactly where I was when I first heard them sing “FLOWERS ON THE WALL”. It was 1965 and I was on the Farm, in the middle of a cornfield, waiting my turn to get a load of insilage (Chopped Up Corn-Stalks) for Cattle Feed.
Never ending perfect harmony. We love you all. RIP Lew and Harold.
No one in country music did it BETTER! Greatly appreciated and missed!
That is real music. Too bad we don’t have it today.
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
Only 2 out of the original 4 are left. as of the time of me writing this. I truly love the Statler Bros.
This was my mom's favorite Stalters brother song. Just lost her November 7. Love you mom forever.n
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
I think of my Dad when I hear this song. Miss my Daddy.😂
Hi dear how are you doing over there ?
I’ll go to my grave loving Harold. Rest In Peace sweet heart. ❤️
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
love the statler brothers
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
AT 82 I PLAY ANY OF THE BROS C/Ds & THE WORDS & MUSIC FOLLOW ME FOR WEEKS!!!...EVEN IN BED TRYIN TO FALL ASLEEP. THE GAVE ALL THEY COULD!! MANY THX!!!
Yes, I will…you know who you are! 💞💞💞
Hello how are you doing today…?😊
Rest in peace Harold. The older we get, so much is changing, like the wonderful people we grown through life with, and it gets harder, but our reward is at the Pearly Gates. We will be rewarded. FLY HIGH PRECIOUS ANGEL
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
Many years ago, My wife asked what I wanted for my birthday, told her the Statler Brother's LP,, and that's what I still have to this day, 40 years later.
That is terrific teaglet.
There is no word, that someone can say to take away the pain and heart break of losing your soulmate. I have lost mine and still feel the lonlyness that haunts me daily. You and you're family are in my thoughts and prayers.. Thank you for sharing this. You're story has touched my heart and brought me a little sunshine to my dark world.
My pawpaw played this at his funeral and I had to walk out because when the started to play that song I just busted out crying and all the time I hear that song I always think about him😢🙏
That means you have a heart the lives, loves, and cares. Not everybody has all that.
My Papa wants the same thing at his funeral... I love the song, but can't even imagine this without my heart being ripped out of my chest...
Awesome harmony♥️
If more men sang this song to their wives and meant it, there would be far fewer unhappy marriages and divorces.
God bless you and your paw paw.
This was my grandma's favorite song she died 40years ago and till the day my grandfather died in 2008 he still loved my grandma'
I love these guys
Their concert was equally as terrific. ❤😊
I was raised listening to gems, as such.😉
Hey how are you doing today…?😊
They are my favorite country group
Hello how are you doing today..?😮
❤MISS THIS GROUP..🎉
The absolute best quartet ever, could listen to them until I fell asleep after about 2 days.
Doing very well friend, how are you? Hope everything is going your way.@William Rolls
One of my favorite country groups
Prayers to His family n friends n fans. You will be missed. Ty for singing awesome songs that got me thru some times in my life .
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
I love that song! Back in the day in the 70’s,80’s my parents always listened on the radio Sunday mornings before church and this song was often played I remember saying can’t we listen to kcld was a rock station,my dad would say no,so I’d have to listen to there station while I was getting ready for church. Now in my late 50’s I love this kind of country music,I wish CMT would be what it used to be country music station with all country programs. Thanks for sharing and bringing back good memories of my childhood ❤️
This was Popular when my Dad died. When I here it I think of my Daddy & Cry.
Hello dear how are you doing over there ?
I LOVE the Statlers to this day! (12/24/22). I was raised on them since I was a little kid. ❤
When my father died in 1975 my mother wore this song out, singing it and listening to it. I cried then and still shed a tear when I hear it. I do love this song, though. Thanks :)
Great story.
I saw these wonderful guys up close, in a matter of
6" and less when they was getting off of their Bus right before their concert, that was in Bloomington, Illinois- what a wonderful experience it was ❤😊, they are so terrific. ❤😊
I Loved to listen to them while i held all 3 of my kids. Rocked them all to sleep listening to them. Memories are amazing. 💗🙏💗
I Loved how all the songs they sang had reason to them. Meaning, you could always relate to any song that they sang with trials and tribulations in your own life.
Elisabeth
Honestly I love them ALL! 🤗
NY State, just off to work. I have a hour ride..
Never a bad song from them.
I’ll go to my grave loving you Kelly! For sure! S.b.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan... Stay Safe
My Wife and I saw these guys in the early 70's. We hadn't been married very long and this song is still from me to her 43 years later.
These four wonderful men have heavenly voices
Amen
True sentiment is what I hear in the song. Never maudlin.
Hello how are you doing today….?
I always loved this song
This song says a lot.
They’ve brought me much joy.
Excellent group-oh yes
Hey dear how are you doing over there ?
Ms Cantrell... Permit me to say what a tribute to your husband your marriage and your relationship👏
We'll always love you too, Harold. Sorry to read your obituary today.
Hi dear how are you doing doing over there ?
I missed Lew DeWitt. He always had a pleasant smile. A very good tenor, too.
Hello, I am from Venezuela in South America, I love country music, I improved my english better listening the statler brothers. The first song that I heard was Bed of roses playing GTA San Andreas in Ps2
Hello how are you doing today..?😊
The Statler brothers are one of only a few quartets that had success through multiple incarnations. I say this because Harold, Phil and Lew were successful gospel singers before Don joined them, then, they had continued success after Lew retired, and Jimmy joined them.
This takes me back to the mid-70s, my dad out in the garage, working on the cars on a cold November Sunday morning, while mom makes her homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. Music is magical.
I am 15 almost 16 and my dad's has always listened to this old country music and hates the new country music anyway. The Statler brothers are my favorite
Hello how are you doing today…?😊
You just cannot take the country out of me. I remember these songs from my youth.
RIP Harold... Heaven is sweeter because u r there
Used to watch the Statler Bros. on Sat. night after the hockey game. I still miss them.
Great one of my favorite
I absolutely love and adore Lew DeWitt's voice! He was such an amazing talent and I miss him greatly! Rest In Peace, Lew! 🦋💜✌🏻🎸
Harold and Phil were really good but Don and Lew were GREAT
@@impassable Yes, I agree. The Statler Brothers were never quite the same after Lew left the band, but I understand why he had to quit due to his health declining.
Angie Peoples often imitated, never duplicated...very special person and voice.