The Statler Brothers’ Harold Reid dies

Gina Alexander

Reid died on April 24th

Harold Reid, a founding member of The Statler Brothers, has passed away at the age of 80 due to “a long battle with kidney failure.” His bandmates shared that he died on Friday, April 24th in his hometown of Staunton, Virginia.

“He had bravely endured a long battle with kidney failure,” they write. “He is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans. His singing, his songwriting and his comedy made generations happy. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him.”

Reid was the comic and bass vocalist of the award winning classic country quartet.

Reid formed the group in 1948 with Lew DeWitt, Phil Balsley and Joe McDorman, three of his childhood friends, according to ABC News. They were known as the Four-Star Quartet before changing their name to The Kingsmen, which sang mostly gospel music. McDorman quit and was replaced by Harold’s younger brother, Don Reid, and they changed their name once again — since more well known groups were known as The Kingsmen. This time, their name was taken from a box of Statler tissues and became forever known as The Statler Brothers.

The group began singing country music in 1964 after meeting Johnny Cash and joining his road show. During that eight and a half year apprentice, the quartet recorded its first hit, “Flowers on the Wall,” and were regulars on The Johnny Cash Show on ABC.

In 1972, they left Cash’s entourage and went on to release hits like “Bed of Rose’s”, “Class of ’57″ and “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You.” Their original harmonies, sense of humor and lyrical style of writing highlighted a career that led them to the top of the music charts countless times and to a concert touring success that packed arenas and theaters with every performance. During their 40 year career, they won multiple CMAs, GRAMMYs, gold and platinum records.

They returned to television in the ’90s with The Statler Brothers Show on The Nashville Network (TNN). It was the No. 1 show on the network during its seven year run.

The Statler Brothers retired in October 2002 following a farewell concert in their hometown in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Reid was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame with his Statler Brothers bandmates in 2008.

Following the news, stars took to social media to share their thoughts on Reid’s passing.