Harold Reid, Statler Brothers bass singer, dies at 80
Harold Reid, who sang bass for the Grammy-winning country group the Statler Brothers, has died after a long battle with kidney failure. He was 80.
Reid died Friday in his hometown of Staunton, Virginia, his nephew Debo Reid said.
»Click here to get the new AJC Mobile App
The Statler Brothers frequently sang backup for country icon Johnny Cash. Some of their biggest hits included 1965's "Flowers on the Wall" and 1970's "Bed of Rose's."
Harold Reid was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He was also a comedian.
"He is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans," a statement on the band's website said. "His singing, his songwriting and his comedy made generations happy. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him."
Reid and three boyhood friends — Lew DeWitt, Phil Balsley and Joe McDorman — formed the Four-Star Quartet in 1948. The group, later known as the Kingsmen, sang mostly gospel music. McDorman quit and was replaced by Don Reid, Harold's younger brother.
DeWitt once said the group changed its name again because several other acts — all better known — were billed as the Kingsmen. The new name came from a box of Statler tissue, he said.
The quartet switched to country music in 1964, after meeting Cash and joining his roadshow.
Over the next two decades, the Statlers won three Grammy Awards and were named top vocal groups nine times by the Country Music Association.
"He leaves a large and loving family and millions of fans who remember his stage and TV antics with smiles and cherish his music that will live with the ages," Debo Reid said in a statement.
Harold Reid’s death was mourned on social media.
Another one of our greats Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers has left for home. Some of my fondest memories was being on tour with him back in the day.
— TG Sheppard (@TGSheppardmusic) April 25, 2020
R.I.P. my friend. pic.twitter.com/1UlSocFBKh
Both @DUANEALLEN and brother Jimmy Fortune called last night to tell me of Harold Reid’s passing In our early country days radio exclaimed WHO NEEDS THE OAKS We have The Statlers Well we conquered that one but The Statlers have always been dear friends & heroes RIP #HaroldReid
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) April 25, 2020
STATLER BROTHER legend HAROLD REID has passed ... This is devestating news ... God bless his family during this time of immeasurable loss ... so very sad to lose yet another long time friend and hero ... REST EASY HAROLD ... another bass singer in the choir ... #haroldreid pic.twitter.com/Y89cJMmivd
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 25, 2020
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Harold Reid, who sang bass in the Country Music band The Statler Brothers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/wHGKNJtq5f
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) April 25, 2020
Harold Reid was a driving force in one of country music’s greatest quartets, the Statler Brothers. He helped steer them to stupendous successes, and his stirring bass was the underpinning of dozens of classics. We mourn his loss and celebrate a life well-lived. -Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/qhwkMso9Lw
— Country Music HOF (@countrymusichof) April 25, 2020
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Harold Reid. As a founding member of Staunton’s very own Statler Brothers, his mark on both our community and the music world will not soon be forgotten. https://t.co/cxON0oq9do
— Congressman Ben Cline (@RepBenCline) April 25, 2020
