The Statlers were and are 5 of the Classiest Gentlemen ever.

Best replacement to a group ever. Jimmy truly talented. Great singer and songwriter

One of the most talented groups in country music ever.

I knew Jimmy at the time this was all happening. He played with a band in a bar where I was working. Such a really nice guy and nice family. Hard worker and very humble. So happy that God opened this door for him. He deserved it!

He was a a green, sweet, 26 year old kid who adored Lew and the Brothers. He brought Elizabeth-his FIRST songwriting effort, to them and frankly revitalized their career (not that they weren't still at the peak but what a shot in the arm for the group this guy was-they soared even higher)! Lew couldn't return.I loved Lew, Love JImmy. What a testimony and witness this guy is to a loving God as well!♥

Dude! I am so glad you went to that interview.

Lew Dewitt was still with the Statler's when I started listening to them and he was incredible. It broke my heart that he had to leave the group. I doubt there has ever been a "replacement" that was so perfect as Jimmy Fortune. His voice was the perfect substitute for Lew's, plus he gave us some great songs such as Elizabeth and More Than a Name on a Wall, just to name two. What a wonderful gentleman and a fine Christian. May God bless him.

Jimmy has a great voice. What are you supposed to do when someone gets sick and can no longer work, you have no choice but to replace them. Lew picked Jimmy himself and made a good choice. God bless the Statlers. I grew up with them and sing their songs to this day. Thank you guys.

Jimmy did a fantastic job of filling Lew's shoes. It was sad too see Lew go. But Jimmy was just as good. And a great job of song writing.

My opinion is that both Lew and Jimmy had great voices. Lew was ill and needed to retire, so a replacement was needed for the others to keep going. I don't believe we need to diss Jimmy just because he wasn't Lew, that just isn't right. Jimmy has a beautiful voice.

He's the real deal. All talent and no ego.

It may have started out as a gig, but this was LIFE CHANGING!

Lew and Jimmy are both great singers, each in their own way. I would have liked to heard them doing a song together along with the rest of the guys.

No one could have done the job Jimmy did! Up til he came along the Statlers had only had one number one song which was "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine". Jimmy came along and gave us "Elizabeth", "My Only Love", "Too Much On My Heart", which were all Number One Hits! Lew deWitt was a very courageous man and thank God for him and his beautiful voice. No one could replace him. Jimmy had a different sound with the Statlers and it was equally good! Love him and love Lew!

People dissing Jimmy Fortune really crack me up. He was the only choice by Harold, Don, and Phil, and he was hand-picked by Lew… But he’s not good enough for you.

Oh he's good! Got to sit on the stage in Branson on Larry's Country Diner and watch Jimmy perform. He was more than worthy of his position in the Statler Brothers! Got to meet and talk to him too (thanks to Jason Hutchinson) nice guy with a ton of talent!

Was in a restaurant one night about 12 years ago , snd Jimmy was in there eating dinner. It just so happened that a group was in there off a tour bus and they recognized Jimmy. You can’t believe the number of people coming over to get Jimmy’s autograph while he was eating. It was amazing to see how nice and polite he was to everyone, even though they were interrupting his meal. From that point on he won me over

The Statler Brothers put on a great show when you went to see them, you more than got your money's worth!

Wow! Small town boy makes good! I remember the first time I saw the Stattler Brothers in concert. Jimmy sang Elizabeth. It was great!

The Statlers were the greatest singing group of the 1980s--maybe the '90s, but I moved to Taiwan in 1992, so I wouldn't know. I was deeply moved by Jimmy's story on your video. Thanks.

I saw Jimmy Fortune on stage with the Statlers when he was hired as a temporary to cover for Lew Dewitt in the summer of 1982. I thought Jimmy was excellent. He wasn't Lew by any means. At the time I would have never thought Jimmy would replace Lew permanently, but on the next album, "Today" when I heard the last song, "In the Sweet By and By," I had to play that song over and over just to hear that harmony Jimmy gave on that song. It was beautiful!

When a successful group can select anyone that they want, you have to respect the the person that they pick. He was good, really good.

Jimmy Fortune is a special guy! I love his singing and he is tops. Thanks for letting me, a little country woman, sing with you. Precious, exciting memories!

That was a great story, made me laugh with his comments, my favorite group, married 51 years on 9/6, many many years ago, I told my wife for my birthday or anniversary present would be the Statler Bris album, I still have it. I know it’s over 40 yrs old. Love it.

Jimmy Fortune is a fantastic singer and a definite plus for the Statler Brothers!!!! Am hoping to see and hear him sing next month in Branson!!!

Jimmy Fortune is the ONLY artist that could have replaced Lee DeWitt in the group. Both had amazing tenor voices, I did miss the yodeling quality of Lew's voice but still loved the sound after Jimmy came on board.

Thanks for uploading this interview! Always heard bits and pieces over the years of how Lew discovered Jimmy, and how Jimmy auditioned for the Statler Brothers, but never with this much detail! I saw Jimmy in what I think was his 3rd night with the Statlers on January 30, 1982, in Greensboro, NC. I was 11 years old at the time. Even at that young age, when I heard Jimmy sing for the first time, I knew it was one of the best voices I had ever heard and I was witnessing something special! Over the years, Jimmy lived the dream of all of us wanna-be Statler Brothers!

What a fantastic story, incredible voice and seemingly great man

Lew and Jimmy were great talents in their own right. Jimmy only added to what was already a great sound.

Jimmy Fortunes voice adds so much to the group

Jimmy was kickin' ass before even being asked, which is WHY he was asked to join. Being the youngest guy in the band, he will probably be the legacy of the band. How can you not like Jimmy?

Jimmy your an incredible talent. Just a pleasure to listen to.

absolutely loved little Jimmy with them...got to see them in person..brought tears to my eyes they were soooo good..

What a great story and a great little guy! They were with out a doubt the best group of the kind.

He’s a great solo artist too and song writer!

I grew up listening to the Statlers. I think it's so awesome their first meeting with Jimmy they say let's go to my home and sing around the piano. Can you imagine that? And they sing Amazing Grace. That song be over the top.

What a great interview! Always wondered how that transition took place. For many years Jimmy didn't cut it for me, but I have since changed my view. The blend that Jimmy brought to the group was astounding and his humility was the perfect balance to Harold's bravado and swagger. Lou had the most distinctive and uniquely lilting country tenor I've ever heard and as a young fan, I admired him and the rest of the group greatly. Will tomorrow's country fans ever really appreciate these legends that are slowly slipping the surly bonds of earth? RIP Harold... Lou...

Great story! So humble and heartfelt. It's a beautiful thing when the pieces come together, everything fits, and you just "know" it's right. Always makes me happy to hear about people who have worked so hard for so long finally get their big break. The big payoff. Makes it all worth it. On a side note, I wonder what happened to the guy next to him on the airplane. Would love for him to see this!

I heard the others tell a different story true he was the first to audition but they kept coming back to him to hear his voice over and over again. I remember when this happened the local radio station said it was a nation wide search and that the Statlers were going city to city to listen to different singers. Always been a big fan of the Statlers with Lew or Jimmy their sound never really changed and Jimmy was underrated as a singer never got his dues owed to him.

I listened to Jimmy Fortune while flipping thru channels a month ago. What a blessing he is. I needed a blessing that night and the Lord blessed me so that night!!

This guy is the best of the best... PERIOD!!!!

He fits right in and blends with them great.

And now you know the rest of the story! It was a great twenty-one years!!!

I heard the Statlers in Florida when Jimmy first started singing with them. I loved Lew's voice & miss him not being with them but as I told Harold that night Jimmy just " fit" with them.

You are the Bomb Jimmy,...just like a friend I'd love to have a beer with. Part of the family.

Fortune always looked like a southern NASCAR driver!

A man of God and so Humble! Would love to meet him!!

I really like this man, what a great guy.

I was a country music DJ back when all that went down, and we were all anxious and skeptical about Jimmy. But he blew us all completely away with his singing, musicianship, and songwriting.

One of my very favorite singers! ⚘

Loved the statler brothers with Lewis and jimmy both wonderful singers.

What a great happy fun story! Thanks for sharing! 😎👍

I'm so glad you went Jimmy and even gladder that you stayed! You are perfect for them. And perfect for us out here with ears!

The Statler Brothers started out getting paid by CASH but they ended up getting a FORTUNE

All you haters Jimmy Fortune made the Statler's sound better. Not That Lew didn't give the guy a break. He had a big hit Elizabeth when he came on with them. I hate to hear folks down a talented singer. Just enjoy him for what he gives.

Love this guy. Great friend and a fantastic entertainer

No better endorsement than having your hero and predecessor recommend you to replace him! We love you Jimmy...and RIP Lew and Harold!

Jimmy has a beautiful voice.

What a great interview ,loved the bit about on the plane” he’s gonna audition with the Stattlers”

i love to have heard all four orignal statler brothers sing with jimmy i bet jimmy and lew sound great together

Great Singer And Songwriter.

I remember when he first started in 1982...Oh Baby Mine was the 1st song I remember....amazing!!!

Sure interesting how you became a member of the Statler bros. I love the show you and Bradley, Ben, and Mike put on at Rory Feek's farm. I know I've watched it six or seven times, just so great.

this fellow can sing especially the song Elizabith

thanks again Jimmy for answering my letter about Elizabeth

Lou DeWitt will always be the original Statler Brother...... My Dad suffers with Chrones decease .... Love the Statler Brothers with Jimmy Fortune and Lou DeWitt

I’ve always liked Jimmy Fortune’s voice. Now I like the man he is. What a nice guy.

Great story!Thanks for sharing.

Lew and Jimmy were each fantastic in their own ways.

I first saw the Statler Brothers in Greensboro, NC and they introduced this young kid. As usual, Harold "picked" on him as only he could. I feel that was his way of saying he's one of us now.

more than a name on the wall is every bit a Statler brothers great as any they sang .

What a nice story goin' on in this video.. After hearing this story, Jimmy was made for this stage..

So glad another “ local boy” got the job!!❤❤ I truely believe that “the blend” has a lot to do with coming from the same area. LOVE STATLERS FOREVER!!❤❤

One of the greatest stories I've heard

Truly awesome

Love this Guy.

So soo happy to hrar⁷ this and see the video

great interview

If you were Jimmy Fortune fan, look up Fortune/Walker/Roger/Isaacs. You will not regret it.

Both Lew and Jimmy are/were great talents. Lew played a mean guitar and had a lilting sound. Everybody has their own taste, and I much prefer Jimmy. No disrespect to Lew, or anybody who liked his sound better. Love the Statler Brothers!!!!

he's so sweet and humble

My favorite Statler Brothers song is Class of 57'

GREAT story!!! 👍🎶😎🎤

Stalers were great and Jimmy Fortune contributed to that sound, I wish they had not quit but you got to do what you got to do.

Thanks for sharing this with us, I'm not only huge, but also a huge fan of the Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune is an awesome performer with fantastic talent!

Its great to learn of these dream come true stories.

Thanks Jimmy.

Saw them in Nashville at a beauty show they were awesome

Awesome story.

Suka sekali dengan.lagu ini.sampe sy line dance belajar dr video dengan Mr Ira w.suk.ses selalu dgn lagunya yg bagus ini

Does anybody know when Jimmy's book is coming out? My best friend in elementary school and high school introduced me to the Statler Brothers. He passed from an epileptic seizure when he was 16 years old, but I'm still "carrying a torch" for him, and the Statler Brothers are the bedrock foundation of our friendship.

What's with all the hate towards Jimmy! Both were great singers and both brought great things to the group!

I still remember the headline in the local paper where I was when this happened: "Statlers Gain Fortune."

The blend was great. Amazing grace.

What a great story.

A true Virginia Gentleman.

Cool I remember him joining and My only love I was still in school ❤

So glad you made the grade

When I first heard him sing "Elizabeth" I thought this guy needs to be on his own. He is simply too good for the Statler Bros. Jimmy has one of the few truly beautiful natural voices. He's never been fully appreciated by the masses. And, he's a nice guy to boot!

Jimmy is awesome. Lew picked wisely.