Harold Reid was an American singer, songwriter, and comedian renowned for his deep bass voice and contributions to country and gospel music.
Born on August 21, 1939, in Augusta County, Virginia, Reid rose to prominence as a founding member of The Statler Brothers, a vocal quartet that blended harmonious country tunes with heartfelt gospel influences.
Despite the group’s name suggesting a familial bond among all members, Reid shared a genuine brotherly connection only with one other performer in the lineup.
Reid passed away on April 24, 2020, at the age of 80, after a prolonged struggle with kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy of joy through music and laughter.
Siblings
Harold has a younger brother, Don Reid, who became an integral part of The Statler Brothers as the group’s lead vocalist.
Born on June 5, 1945, in Staunton, Virginia, Don joined Harold’s early musical endeavors at just 14 years old, stepping in to replace an original member and infusing the quartet with his clear, emotive tenor range.
The brothers’ collaboration extended far beyond shared bloodlines; they co-wrote numerous songs, including nostalgic hits that captured the essence of American life, and their onstage chemistry helped define the group’s folksy, relatable appeal.
Career
Reid’s musical career began in the mid-1950s as a teenager in Staunton, Virginia, where he formed the Four Star Quartet with high school friends Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, and Joe McDorman, performing gospel numbers at local churches.
By 1961, Reid reorganized the group as The Kingsmen, bringing in his brother Don to replace McDorman on lead vocals, and they honed their craft through weekend gigs that mixed gospel roots with emerging country styles.
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The pivotal moment arrived in 1963 when they adopted the name The Statler Brothers, borrowed from a tissue brand spotted in a hotel room, and signed with Columbia Records the following year.
Their breakthrough came with the 1965 release of “Flowers on the Wall,” a quirky Lew DeWitt composition that soared to No. 2 on the country charts and No. 4 on the pop charts, catapulting them into national fame while touring as Johnny Cash’s opening act.
Over the next four decades, Reid’s bass vocals underpinned a vast catalog of over 40 studio albums, blending nostalgic ballads like “Do You Remember These” and “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You” with gospel standards.
Their performances were further distinguished by Reid’s trademark humor, which included impersonations and scripted sketches.
The group maintained a grueling touring schedule, headlining their own shows and hosting a syndicated variety series from 1991 to 1998.
They retired in 2002 after a final performance at the Salem Civic Center in Virginia.
Accolades
In 1965, they claimed two Grammy Awards: Best New Country & Western Artist and Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance-Group for “Flowers on the Wall.”
That victory notably outshined entries from The Beatles and The Supremes.
Their success continued with a third Grammy in 1972 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “The Class of ’57.”
They also won nine Country Music Association Awards for Vocal Group of the Year.
This included an unprecedented six consecutive wins from 1972 to 1977, followed by additional victories in 1979, 1980, and 1984.
The quartet amassed 13 Gold Records and eight Platinum certifications over their career.
Their hits topped the Billboard Hot 100 four times, and their 1985 album Pardners in Rhyme reached No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.
Reid’s pinnacle recognition came posthumously with the group’s 2008 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
They were also enshrined in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007, affirming his enduring role in shaping harmonious, heartfelt American music.
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