Statlers bring further distinction to Staunton

By Bob Stuart

Published: June 29, 2008

The stools and plaque in the entrance to Staunton’s Wharf are a curiosity for visitors, who often learn for the first time of the Statler Brothers country music singing group’s connection with the Queen City.
“Visitors read the plaque and have no idea the Statlers hail from Staunton,” said Staunton Vice Mayor Dave Metz. “What a wonderful discovery.”
Metz said the retired singing group’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Sunday night brings further distinction to Staunton.
“It means a tremendous amount to the community,” Metz said. “They were particularly unique because they didn’t reside in Nashville. They rose to the top and maintained a home in Staunton.”
Metz said the Statlers have done much for the city, and said “it’s great to see they have been awarded the distinction of the Hall of Fame.”
For 25 years, the Statlers provided Fourth of July entertainment with a Gypsy Hill Park concert for city residents.
Statler member Don Reid was modest when learning of the group’s selection to the Hall of Fame in February.
In an interview with Country Music Television, he said, “We have always looked at the Hall of Fame as a place our heroes lived.”
He was joined for the announcement by fellow Statler members Harold Reid, Phil Balsley and Jimmy Fortune.
The Statlers spent more than 38 years touring the country before their retirement in 2002.
Lew DeWitt, an original Statler Brother and a prolific songwriter, left the group in 1982 because of health problems and died in 1990.
The Statlers entered the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night with other legends Tom T. Hall and Emmylou Harris.