I knew Jimmy at the time this was all happening. He played with a band in a bar where I was working. Such a really nice guy and nice family. Hard worker and very humble. So happy that God opened this door for him. He deserved it!
With that high voice of his I can't imagine him singing in any kind of group other than one with gospel harmonies let alone a "bar band". Tremendous talent...."Elizabeth" is one of the greatest country songs ever.
Lew Dewitt was still with the Statler's when I started listening to them and he was incredible. It broke my heart that he had to leave the group. I doubt there has ever been a "replacement" that was so perfect as Jimmy Fortune. His voice was the perfect substitute for Lew's, plus he gave us some great songs such as Elizabeth and More Than a Name on a Wall, just to name two. What a wonderful gentleman and a fine Christian. May God bless him.
He was a a green, sweet, 26 year old kid who adored Lew and the Brothers. He brought Elizabeth-his FIRST songwriting effort, to them and frankly revitalized their career (not that they weren't still at the peak but what a shot in the arm for the group this guy was-they soared even higher)! Lew couldn't return.I loved Lew, Love JImmy. What a testimony and witness this guy is to a loving God as well!♥
Jimmy has a great voice. What are you supposed to do when someone gets sick and can no longer work, you have no choice but to replace them. Lew picked Jimmy himself and made a good choice. God bless the Statlers. I grew up with them and sing their songs to this day. Thank you guys.
Daisy Mae French I went to everyone of The Statler Brothers Concerts at The Coliseum in Hampton, Va. and Scope in Norfolk, Va. Even went to Staunton, Va. to see everything there was to see about The Statlers! They were my favorite group and I hated to see them go, but realized it was their time to retire and spend time with their families!! 😊 ❤️ 😊 ❤️ 😊
No one could have done the job Jimmy did! Up til he came along the Statlers had only had one number one song which was "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine". Jimmy came along and gave us "Elizabeth", "My Only Love", "Too Much On My Heart", which were all Number One Hits! Lew deWitt was a very courageous man and thank God for him and his beautiful voice. No one could replace him. Jimmy had a different sound with the Statlers and it was equally good! Love him and love Lew!
I don't believe they had only one number one hit before Jimmy. They had been singing together as an established group since 1964. Jimmy didn't come along until around 1982. They won a Grammy for flowers on the wall. You mentioned 3 songs Jimmy wrote. He also wrote "Forever" and "Name on the wall". Yes, Jimmy was, and is a great tenor but Lew was also and had a very unique style.
Thanks for uploading this interview! Always heard bits and pieces over the years of how Lew discovered Jimmy, and how Jimmy auditioned for the Statler Brothers, but never with this much detail! I saw Jimmy in what I think was his 3rd night with the Statlers on January 30, 1982, in Greensboro, NC. I was 11 years old at the time. Even at that young age, when I heard Jimmy sing for the first time, I knew it was one of the best voices I had ever heard and I was witnessing something special! Over the years, Jimmy lived the dream of all of us wanna-be Statler Brothers!
My opinion is that both Lew and Jimmy had great voices. Lew was ill and needed to retire, so a replacement was needed for the others to keep going. I don't believe we need to diss Jimmy just because he wasn't Lew, that just isn't right. Jimmy has a beautiful voice.
Don sang lead on most of their songs but Lew was the unofficial leader and musical director. No one could replace him and Jimmy didn't try to. He blended in with his own identity and musical talent. The Statler's were in a bit of a slump "hits" wise and Fortune wrote 2 songs that went #1 when he first joined and helped elevate the band back to star status.
ChristineES44 I dearly loved Lew. I know that Jimmy was very talented. That was obvious. The guys agreed on him joining the group. But Lew’s sound made the Statler Brothers stand out. They were beyond compare. Without Lew that wasn’t there anymore for me. I prefer the old albums.
Oh he's good! Got to sit on the stage in Branson on Larry's Country Diner and watch Jimmy perform. He was more than worthy of his position in the Statler Brothers! Got to meet and talk to him too (thanks to Jason Hutchinson) nice guy with a ton of talent!
The Statlers were the greatest singing group of the 1980s--maybe the '90s, but I moved to Taiwan in 1992, so I wouldn't know. I was deeply moved by Jimmy's story on your video. Thanks.
Jimmy Fortune is a special guy! I love his singing and he is tops. Thanks for letting me, a little country woman, sing with you. Precious, exciting memories!
Great story! So humble and heartfelt. It's a beautiful thing when the pieces come together, everything fits, and you just "know" it's right. Always makes me happy to hear about people who have worked so hard for so long finally get their big break. The big payoff. Makes it all worth it. On a side note, I wonder what happened to the guy next to him on the airplane. Would love for him to see this!
I was a country music DJ back when all that went down, and we were all anxious and skeptical about Jimmy. But he blew us all completely away with his singing, musicianship, and songwriting.
That was a great story, made me laugh with his comments, my favorite group, married 51 years on 9/6, many many years ago, I told my wife for my birthday or anniversary present would be the Statler Bris album, I still have it. I know it’s over 40 yrs old. Love it.
What a great interview! Always wondered how that transition took place. For many years Jimmy didn't cut it for me, but I have since changed my view. The blend that Jimmy brought to the group was astounding and his humility was the perfect balance to Harold's bravado and swagger. Lou had the most distinctive and uniquely lilting country tenor I've ever heard and as a young fan, I admired him and the rest of the group greatly. Will tomorrow's country fans ever really appreciate these legends that are slowly slipping the surly bonds of earth? RIP Harold... Lou...
Was in a restaurant one night about 12 years ago , snd Jimmy was in there eating dinner. It just so happened that a group was in there off a tour bus and they recognized Jimmy. You can’t believe the number of people coming over to get Jimmy’s autograph while he was eating. It was amazing to see how nice and polite he was to everyone, even though they were interrupting his meal. From that point on he won me over
I listened to Jimmy Fortune while flipping thru channels a month ago. What a blessing he is. I needed a blessing that night and the Lord blessed me so that night!!
People dissing Jimmy Fortune really crack me up. He was the only choice by Harold, Don, and Phil, and he was hand-picked by Lew… But he’s not good enough for you.
It gives me chills listening to him tell this story!! Ppl don’t like change but the whole situation is awesome really bc I’m sure Jimmy taking over probably added several years to Lew’s life. Who knows? The Lord does. At least Lew didn’t have to feel guilty by stepping down.
I saw Jimmy Fortune on stage with the Statlers when he was hired as a temporary to cover for Lew Dewitt in the summer of 1982. I thought Jimmy was excellent. He wasn't Lew by any means. At the time I would have never thought Jimmy would replace Lew permanently, but on the next album, "Today" when I heard the last song, "In the Sweet By and By," I had to play that song over and over just to hear that harmony Jimmy gave on that song. It was beautiful!
I grew up listening to the Statlers. I think it's so awesome their first meeting with Jimmy they say let's go to my home and sing around the piano. Can you imagine that? And they sing Amazing Grace. That song be over the top.
I heard the others tell a different story true he was the first to audition but they kept coming back to him to hear his voice over and over again. I remember when this happened the local radio station said it was a nation wide search and that the Statlers were going city to city to listen to different singers. Always been a big fan of the Statlers with Lew or Jimmy their sound never really changed and Jimmy was underrated as a singer never got his dues owed to him.
Jimmy Fortune is the ONLY artist that could have replaced Lee DeWitt in the group. Both had amazing tenor voices, I did miss the yodeling quality of Lew's voice but still loved the sound after Jimmy came on board.
Jimmy was kickin' ass before even being asked, which is WHY he was asked to join. Being the youngest guy in the band, he will probably be the legacy of the band. How can you not like Jimmy?
I heard the Statlers in Florida when Jimmy first started singing with them. I loved Lew's voice & miss him not being with them but as I told Harold that night Jimmy just " fit" with them.
I remember all the buzz about the song Elizabeth & mom had to have the Album which was titled Today great song I wonder what it would have sounded like if Lew sang it
All you haters Jimmy Fortune made the Statler's sound better. Not That Lew didn't give the guy a break. He had a big hit Elizabeth when he came on with them. I hate to hear folks down a talented singer. Just enjoy him for what he gives.
Sure interesting how you became a member of the Statler bros. I love the show you and Bradley, Ben, and Mike put on at Rory Feek's farm. I know I've watched it six or seven times, just so great.
Lou DeWitt will always be the original Statler Brother...... My Dad suffers with Chrones decease .... Love the Statler Brothers with Jimmy Fortune and Lou DeWitt
Thanks for sharing this with us, I'm not only huge, but also a huge fan of the Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune is an awesome performer with fantastic talent!
I first saw the Statler Brothers in Greensboro, NC and they introduced this young kid. As usual, Harold "picked" on him as only he could. I feel that was his way of saying he's one of us now.
So glad another “ local boy” got the job!!❤❤ I truely believe that “the blend” has a lot to do with coming from the same area. LOVE STATLERS FOREVER!!❤❤
Both Lew and Jimmy are/were great talents. Lew played a mean guitar and had a lilting sound. Everybody has their own taste, and I much prefer Jimmy. No disrespect to Lew, or anybody who liked his sound better. Love the Statler Brothers!!!!
Does anybody know when Jimmy's book is coming out? My best friend in elementary school and high school introduced me to the Statler Brothers. He passed from an epileptic seizure when he was 16 years old, but I'm still "carrying a torch" for him, and the Statler Brothers are the bedrock foundation of our friendship.
When I first heard him sing "Elizabeth" I thought this guy needs to be on his own. He is simply too good for the Statler Bros. Jimmy has one of the few truly beautiful natural voices. He's never been fully appreciated by the masses. And, he's a nice guy to boot!
The Statlers were and are 5 of the Classiest Gentlemen ever.
Dude! I am so glad you went to that interview.
Best replacement to a group ever. Jimmy truly talented. Great singer and songwriter
I knew Jimmy at the time this was all happening. He played with a band in a bar where I was working. Such a really nice guy and nice family. Hard worker and very humble. So happy that God opened this door for him. He deserved it!
With that high voice of his I can't imagine him singing in any kind of group other than one with gospel harmonies let alone a "bar band".
Tremendous talent...."Elizabeth" is one of the greatest country songs ever.
One of the most talented groups in country music ever.
Lew Dewitt was still with the Statler's when I started listening to them and he was incredible. It broke my heart that he had to leave the group. I doubt there has ever been a "replacement" that was so perfect as Jimmy Fortune. His voice was the perfect substitute for Lew's, plus he gave us some great songs such as Elizabeth and More Than a Name on a Wall, just to name two. What a wonderful gentleman and a fine Christian. May God bless him.
He was a a green, sweet, 26 year old kid who adored Lew and the Brothers. He brought Elizabeth-his FIRST songwriting effort, to them and frankly revitalized their career (not that they weren't still at the peak but what a shot in the arm for the group this guy was-they soared even higher)! Lew couldn't return.I loved Lew, Love JImmy. What a testimony and witness this guy is to a loving God as well!♥
Jimmy has a great voice. What are you supposed to do when someone gets sick and can no longer work, you have no choice but to replace them. Lew picked Jimmy himself and made a good choice. God bless the Statlers. I grew up with them and sing their songs to this day. Thank you guys.
Daisy Mae French I went to everyone of The Statler Brothers Concerts at The Coliseum in Hampton, Va. and Scope in Norfolk, Va. Even went to Staunton, Va. to see everything there was to see about The Statlers! They were my favorite group and I hated to see them go, but realized it was their time to retire and spend time with their families!! 😊 ❤️ 😊 ❤️ 😊
@@myrnagaskill5219 Unfortunately Harold is gone now as well.
It may have started out as a gig, but this was LIFE CHANGING!
Lew and Jimmy are both great singers, each in their own way. I would have liked to heard them doing a song together along with the rest of the guys.
By by
Jimmy did a fantastic job of filling Lew's shoes. It was sad too see Lew go. But Jimmy was just as good. And a great job of song writing.
He's the real deal. All talent and no ego.
@TheJanka51 What exactly do you mean by that?
@TheJanka51 Haha, and what are you?
I guess you never actually met him. He was a prick.
No one could have done the job Jimmy did! Up til he came along the Statlers had only had one number one song which was "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine". Jimmy came along and gave us "Elizabeth", "My Only Love", "Too Much On My Heart", which were all Number One Hits! Lew deWitt was a very courageous man and thank God for him and his beautiful voice. No one could replace him. Jimmy had a different sound with the Statlers and it was equally good! Love him and love Lew!
The songs you mention may have been number one hits but most of their best stuff was never played on the radio. And most were the ones with Lew.
Flowers on the wall was a big success
justess martin I think that Jimmy’s voice was so close to Lew’s; he had that high pitched voice “just” like Lew’s! 😊 😊
I don't believe they had only one number one hit before Jimmy. They had been singing together as an established group since 1964. Jimmy didn't come along until around 1982. They won a Grammy for flowers on the wall. You mentioned 3 songs Jimmy wrote. He also wrote "Forever" and "Name on the wall". Yes, Jimmy was, and is a great tenor but Lew was also and had a very unique style.
Thanks for uploading this interview! Always heard bits and pieces over the years of how Lew discovered Jimmy, and how Jimmy auditioned for the Statler Brothers, but never with this much detail! I saw Jimmy in what I think was his 3rd night with the Statlers on January 30, 1982, in Greensboro, NC. I was 11 years old at the time. Even at that young age, when I heard Jimmy sing for the first time, I knew it was one of the best voices I had ever heard and I was witnessing something special! Over the years, Jimmy lived the dream of all of us wanna-be Statler Brothers!
My opinion is that both Lew and Jimmy had great voices. Lew was ill and needed to retire, so a replacement was needed for the others to keep going. I don't believe we need to diss Jimmy just because he wasn't Lew, that just isn't right. Jimmy has a beautiful voice.
They both brought a lot to the group
Don sang lead on most of their songs but Lew was the unofficial leader and musical director. No one could replace him and Jimmy didn't try to. He blended in with his own identity and musical talent. The Statler's were in a bit of a slump "hits" wise and Fortune wrote 2 songs that went #1 when he first joined and helped elevate the band back to star status.
ChristineES44 I dearly loved Lew. I know that Jimmy was very talented. That was obvious. The guys agreed on him joining the group.
But Lew’s sound made the Statler Brothers stand out. They were beyond compare. Without Lew that wasn’t there anymore for me.
I prefer the old albums.
@cooter Jimmy was an excellent replacement for Lew. But you're right, Lew DID pick him to be his successor.
Yet you diss Lew?
Wow! Small town boy makes good! I remember the first time I saw the Stattler Brothers in concert. Jimmy sang Elizabeth. It was great!
Oh he's good! Got to sit on the stage in Branson on Larry's Country Diner and watch Jimmy perform. He was more than worthy of his position in the Statler Brothers! Got to meet and talk to him too (thanks to Jason Hutchinson) nice guy with a ton of talent!
Jimmy Fortunes voice adds so much to the group
He is so good
The Statler Brothers put on a great show when you went to see them, you more than got your money's worth!
Jimmy always did a wonderful job.
When a successful group can select anyone that they want, you have to respect the the person that they pick. He was good, really good.
@TheJanka51 You're a clown. Well, an idiot, okay?
The Statlers were the greatest singing group of the 1980s--maybe the '90s, but I moved to Taiwan in 1992, so I wouldn't know. I was deeply moved by Jimmy's story on your video. Thanks.
Jimmy Fortune is a fantastic singer and a definite plus for the Statler Brothers!!!! Am hoping to see and hear him sing next month in Branson!!!
absolutely loved little Jimmy with them...got to see them in person..brought tears to my eyes they were soooo good..
Jimmy Fortune is a special guy! I love his singing and he is tops. Thanks for letting me, a little country woman, sing with you. Precious, exciting memories!
Great story! So humble and heartfelt. It's a beautiful thing when the pieces come together, everything fits, and you just "know" it's right. Always makes me happy to hear about people who have worked so hard for so long finally get their big break. The big payoff. Makes it all worth it.
On a side note, I wonder what happened to the guy next to him on the airplane. Would love for him to see this!
I was a country music DJ back when all that went down, and we were all anxious and skeptical about Jimmy. But he blew us all completely away with his singing, musicianship, and songwriting.
That was a great story, made me laugh with his comments, my favorite group, married 51 years on 9/6, many many years ago, I told my wife for my birthday or anniversary present would be the Statler Bris album, I still have it. I know it’s over 40 yrs old. Love it.
What a fantastic story, incredible voice and seemingly great man
What a great story and a great little guy! They were with out a doubt the best group of the kind.
What a great interview! Always wondered how that transition took place. For many years Jimmy didn't cut it for me, but I have since changed my view. The blend that Jimmy brought to the group was astounding and his humility was the perfect balance to Harold's bravado and swagger. Lou had the most distinctive and uniquely lilting country tenor I've ever heard and as a young fan, I admired him and the rest of the group greatly. Will tomorrow's country fans ever really appreciate these legends that are slowly slipping the surly bonds of earth? RIP Harold... Lou...
As of May 2022, Phil is still alive
P.M.
@@mfdesq Thanks for the correction. Post edited.
Was in a restaurant one night about 12 years ago , snd Jimmy was in there eating dinner. It just so happened that a group was in there off a tour bus and they recognized Jimmy. You can’t believe the number of people coming over to get Jimmy’s autograph while he was eating. It was amazing to see how nice and polite he was to everyone, even though they were interrupting his meal. From that point on he won me over
Jimmy your an incredible talent. Just a pleasure to listen to.
I listened to Jimmy Fortune while flipping thru channels a month ago. What a blessing he is. I needed a blessing that night and the Lord blessed me so that night!!
People dissing Jimmy Fortune really crack me up. He was the only choice by Harold, Don, and Phil, and he was hand-picked by Lew…
But he’s not good enough for you.
great writer. Name on the wall their greatest song
Great writer singer and person. Such a humble man and great talent.
It gives me chills listening to him tell this story!! Ppl don’t like change but the whole situation is awesome really bc I’m sure Jimmy taking over probably added several years to Lew’s life. Who knows? The Lord does. At least Lew didn’t have to feel guilty by stepping down.
do people say this?
@@bufb no it was not counting flowers on the wall was
He’s a great solo artist too and song writer!
I saw Jimmy Fortune on stage with the Statlers when he was hired as a temporary to cover for Lew Dewitt in the summer of 1982. I thought Jimmy was excellent. He wasn't Lew by any means. At the time I would have never thought Jimmy would replace Lew permanently, but on the next album, "Today" when I heard the last song, "In the Sweet By and By," I had to play that song over and over just to hear that harmony Jimmy gave on that song. It was beautiful!
I love you jimmy fortune wedding song wedding 💍 ring
I grew up listening to the Statlers. I think it's so awesome their first meeting with Jimmy they say let's go to my home and sing around the piano. Can you imagine that? And they sing Amazing Grace. That song be over the top.
This guy is the best of the best... PERIOD!!!!
Fortune always looked like a southern NASCAR driver!
I heard the others tell a different story true he was the first to audition but they kept coming back to him to hear his voice over and over again. I remember when this happened the local radio station said it was a nation wide search and that the Statlers were going city to city to listen to different singers. Always been a big fan of the Statlers with Lew or Jimmy their sound never really changed and Jimmy was underrated as a singer never got his dues owed to him.
Robert Rockwell &
He is doing great in 2020!!
He fits right in and blends with them great.
Jimmy Fortune is the ONLY artist that could have replaced Lee DeWitt in the group. Both had amazing tenor voices, I did miss the yodeling quality of Lew's voice but still loved the sound after Jimmy came on board.
So true! Both top notch tenors!
Lew and Jimmy were great talents in their own right. Jimmy only added to what was already a great sound.
Jimmy was kickin' ass before even being asked, which is WHY he was asked to join. Being the youngest guy in the band, he will probably be the legacy of the band. How can you not like Jimmy?
I heard the Statlers in Florida when Jimmy first started singing with them. I loved Lew's voice & miss him not being with them but as I told Harold that night Jimmy just " fit" with them.
I really like this man, what a great guy.
You are the Bomb Jimmy,...just like a friend I'd love to have a beer with. Part of the family.
One of my very favorite singers! ⚘
A man of God and so Humble!
Would love to meet him!!
The Statler Brothers have been a Ihave Been my Favorite group for YEARS!,,,
And now you know the rest of the story! It was a great twenty-one years!!!
Loved the statler brothers with Lewis and jimmy both wonderful singers.
What a great happy fun story! Thanks for sharing! 😎👍
Love this guy. Great friend and a fantastic entertainer
Jimmy has a beautiful voice.
No better endorsement than having your hero and predecessor recommend you to replace him! We love you Jimmy...and RIP Lew and Harold!
I'm so glad you went Jimmy and even gladder that you stayed! You are perfect for them. And perfect for us out here with ears!
i love to have heard all four orignal statler brothers sing with jimmy i bet jimmy and lew sound great together
What a great interview ,loved the bit about on the plane” he’s gonna audition with the Stattlers”
thanks again Jimmy for answering my letter about Elizabeth
Great Singer And Songwriter.
this fellow can sing especially the song Elizabith
He wrote Elizabeth >> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(The_Statler_Brothers_song)
I remember all the buzz about the song Elizabeth & mom had to have the Album which was titled Today great song I wonder what it would have sounded like if Lew sang it
All you haters Jimmy Fortune made the Statler's sound better. Not That Lew didn't give the guy a break. He had a big hit Elizabeth when he came on with them. I hate to hear folks down a talented singer. Just enjoy him for what he gives.
Jimmy was fine. New music and songs sure. Do miss Lew though.
Sure interesting how you became a member of the Statler bros. I love the show you and Bradley, Ben, and Mike put on at Rory Feek's farm. I know I've watched it six or seven times, just so great.
The Statler Brothers started out getting paid by CASH but they ended up getting a FORTUNE
Great story!Thanks for sharing.
great interview
Lou DeWitt will always be the original Statler Brother...... My Dad suffers with Chrones decease .... Love the Statler Brothers with Jimmy Fortune and Lou DeWitt
Lew and Jimmy were each fantastic in their own ways.
more than a name on the wall is every bit a Statler brothers great as any they sang .
I remember when he first started in 1982...Oh Baby Mine was the 1st song I remember....amazing!!!
One of the greatest stories I've heard
Thanks for sharing this with us, I'm not only huge, but also a huge fan of the Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune is an awesome performer with fantastic talent!
I’ve always liked Jimmy Fortune’s voice. Now I like the man he is. What a nice guy.
Love this Guy.
I first saw the Statler Brothers in Greensboro, NC and they introduced this young kid. As usual, Harold "picked" on him as only he could. I feel that was his way of saying he's one of us now.
Truly awesome
So glad another “ local boy” got the job!!❤❤ I truely believe that “the blend” has a lot to do with coming from the same area. LOVE STATLERS FOREVER!!❤❤
GREAT story!!!
👍🎶😎🎤
Thanks Jimmy.
If you were Jimmy Fortune fan, look up Fortune/Walker/Roger/Isaacs. You will not regret it.
So soo happy to hrar⁷ this and see the video
My favorite Statler Brothers song is Class of 57'
Awesome story.
What a nice story goin' on in this video.. After hearing this story, Jimmy was made for this stage..
he's so sweet and humble
Both Lew and Jimmy are/were great talents. Lew played a mean guitar and had a lilting sound. Everybody has their own taste, and I much prefer Jimmy. No disrespect to Lew, or anybody who liked his sound better. Love the Statler Brothers!!!!
Me too
Love jinny
Stalers were great and Jimmy Fortune contributed to that sound, I wish they had not quit but you got to do what you got to do.
Its great to learn of these dream come true stories.
Saw them in Nashville at a beauty show they were awesome
Suka sekali dengan.lagu ini.sampe sy line dance belajar dr video dengan Mr Ira w.suk.ses selalu dgn lagunya yg bagus ini
Does anybody know when Jimmy's book is coming out? My best friend in elementary school and high school introduced me to the Statler Brothers. He passed from an epileptic seizure when he was 16 years old, but I'm still "carrying a torch" for him, and the Statler Brothers are the bedrock foundation of our friendship.
Jimmy is awesome. Lew picked wisely.
What a great story.
I still remember the headline in the local paper where I was when this happened: "Statlers Gain Fortune."
Got to love journalists and their headlines!
When I first heard him sing "Elizabeth" I thought this guy needs to be on his own. He is simply too good for the Statler Bros. Jimmy has one of the few truly beautiful natural voices. He's never been fully appreciated by the masses. And, he's a nice guy to boot!
Mick S.... Jimmy is the one who Wrote... Elizabeth.
The blend was great. Amazing grace.
So glad you made the grade
Cool I remember him joining and My only love I was still in school ❤
What's with all the hate towards Jimmy! Both were great singers and both brought great things to the group!
Great story, but it also told me a few things about the character of the group and Lou. Wish more people were like that.