Among the five original Statler Brothers performing members, Harold Reid died first, in 2020. This verified explainer clarifies which Statler brother died, their roles in the group, and how the lineup has changed while addressing ongoing confusion. We outline the core lineup of founder Don Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, Harold Reid, and Jimmy Fortune, then track status and dates to provide durable, factual context about the Statlers and their evolving roster.
Core Member Lineup and Original Five
The Statler Brothers originally formed as a quartet with Don Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, and Harold Reid. Later, the group expanded to five performing members when Jimmy Fortune joined in 1982. These five are most commonly referenced when people ask which Statler brother died.
Original Founding Members
- Don Reid — founder and lead vocalist
- Phil Balsley — bass vocalist
- Lew DeWitt — baritone/falsetto vocalist
- Harold Reid — tenor vocalist and songwriter
- Jimmy Fortune — high tenor; joined 1982
Which Statler Brother Died First
Harold Reid, born March 15, 1939, was the first original performing member to die, passing away on August 16, 2020, at age 81. His death marked the end of the original quartet configuration, since he was a founding tenor and key songwriter.
| Name | Role | Status | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Reid | Tenor; founding member | Deceased | Born March 15, 1939; died August 16, 2020 |
| Lew DeWitt | Baritone/falsetto | Deceased | Born September 18, 1940; died August 15, 2002 |
| Phil Balsley | Bass | Alive (retired) | Born September 18, 1947; retired 1999 |
| Don Reid | Lead vocalist | Alive | Born May 25, 1945; still living |
| Jimmy Fortune | High tenor | Alive | Born March 10, 1955; still living |
Status of Living Statler Brothers
As of this writing, three original members remain alive: Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Jimmy Fortune. Balsley retired from touring in 1999, though he remains associated with the group. The Statlers continue to perform with substitutes for the retired and deceased voices, preserving the repertoire made famous by the originals.
Common Confusions and Clarifications
Because the Statler Brothers had five members at their classic lineup peak, audiences sometimes misremember which Statler brother died. To clarify:
These two losses are the only deaths among the classic five performing members.
Group Evolution and Name Clarification
The Statler Brothers originated as a gospel group before signing with Columbia Records and adopting the name The Statler Brothers. Their lineup changed gradually, most notably with Jimmy Fortune’s arrival and the later retirements and deaths noted above. When people search which Statler brother died, the accurate answer depends on timing: Harold Reid (2020) was the last of the classic five to pass away, following Lew DeWitt (2002).
Legacy and Continued Influence
The Statler Brothers catalog remains popular in country and gospel markets, with their close-harmony style influencing subsequent vocal groups. Although the classic five-member formation is now reduced due to death and retirement, their recordings continue to generate revenue and airplay. For new audiences, understanding the history of the group and which Statler brother died helps frame the enduring value of their work.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First Original Member to Die | Harold Reid (August 16, 2020) | News reports and biographies |
| Second Original Member to Die | Lew DeWitt (August 15, 2002) | Group history and biographies |
| Alive Founding Members | Don Reid and Phil Balsley | Group personnel records |
| Current Active Tenure | Jimmy Fortune (joined 1982) | Group lineup history |
| Retired Bass | Phil Balsley (retired 1999) | Official statements |
Summary
When asking which Statler brother died, the direct answer is Harold Reid, the founding tenor who passed away in 2020, preceded by baritone Lew DeWitt in 2002. Three original members remain living, and the group continues with substitute performers when needed. This verified overview addresses common confusion and supplies durable context about the Statler Brothers’ lineup, deaths, and current status.