In a moment that stunned longtime fans of The Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune, the beloved tenor who joined the group in 1982, has come forward at 69 with a deeply personal and surprising revelation about fellow bandmate and Statler Brothers founding member, Harold Reid.
Known for his booming bass voice, quick wit, and unforgettable presence on stage, Harold Reid was often seen as the comic soul of the group. But behind the curtain, Jimmy says, there was a side to Harold that few ever truly understood—and one that left a lifelong impression on him.
In a heartfelt interview during a recent gospel concert event, Jimmy opened up:
“Harold Reid changed my life—not just musically, but spiritually. And I never told anyone this until now… but there was a night early on when I almost walked away from it all. And he stopped me.”
The story goes back to 1983, not long after Jimmy had replaced Lew DeWitt in the group. Though he had the voice, Jimmy admits he struggled with overwhelming self-doubt and the pressure of stepping into such iconic shoes.
“I didn’t think I was good enough,” he said. “I was the new guy, the young guy, and everywhere I turned people said, ‘You’ve got big shoes to fill.’ I was breaking inside, and one night on the bus, I told Harold I was thinking about quitting.”
That’s when Harold, known for his sharp humor, turned unexpectedly serious.
“He looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘Don’t you ever say that again. You were meant to be here. God put you here. And I don’t want to hear any more of that nonsense.’”
Jimmy paused during the story, visibly emotional. “That was the moment I stayed. That was the moment I believed I belonged.”
What fans never knew was the quiet encouragement Harold Reid gave behind the scenes—not just to Jimmy, but to crew members, fans, and family alike. “He had this public persona—loud, funny, bigger than life,” Jimmy said. “But the Harold I knew was gentle, wise, and had a heart the size of Virginia.”
Jimmy went on to reveal that during Harold’s final years, the two stayed in close contact. “He wasn’t afraid of the end,” Jimmy shared. “He was more concerned with making sure we were all okay.”
The revelation has brought a wave of emotion from Statler Brothers fans, many of whom are now seeing Harold in a new light—not just as the entertainer who made them laugh, but as the quiet mentor and spiritual anchor who helped shape the very fabric of the group.
“Harold saved me in more ways than I can count,” Jimmy said. “And now, I just want people to know—he wasn’t just a great voice. He was a great man.”
At 69, Jimmy Fortune has given us a new reason to admire Harold Reid—and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most important words are the ones said offstage.