Join me on Sunday, October 5th, for the 98 Country Classic Show.  At 11 a.m. we'll shine the spotlight on The Statler Brothers.  The classic show kicks off at 9 a.m.

Although the Statler Brothers,  made up of Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune and Don Reid, retired from touring in 2002, they still perform from time to time.  They do not share a fraternal bond, however, what they do share is the distinction of being one of the most successful vocal harmony groups in the history of country music.

Formed in the groups home base of Staunton, VA in 1955, they were known as the Kingsmen.  Around 1963 they changed their name to the Statler Brothers when working on the Johnny Cash Road Show.  They worked with him from 1963-1971.

Their breakout hit was Flowers on the Wall.  The groups original tenor Lew Dewitt, wrote the song, which peaked in popularity in January 1966, spending four weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart.  The song  won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Performance for a group and was also used in the soundtrack to the 1994 film, 'Pulp Fiction'.

Another favorite of mine is The Class of '57, a song written by Don and Harold Reid.  It was released in 1972 and peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart.  The song is a nostalgic, sometimes a bittersweet look back at what became of a fictional high school graduating class.

Join me for a look back at some of the great music of the Statler Brothers including Bed of Roses, How to be a Country Star and many more.  Remember we always take your requests at 320-252-9897 or you can send me your requests by email.

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