How Jimmy Fortune Landed His Statler Brothers Gig — A Twist of Fate That Changed Country Music Forever
Jimmy Fortune’s journey to joining The Statler Brothers—one of country music’s most beloved vocal groups—sounds like something out of a movie. It wasn’t fame, connections, or a polished résumé that got him the job. It was a moment of serendipity, raw talent, and divine timing.
The Opening Came Through Illness
In 1982, Lew DeWitt, the group’s original tenor and founding member, was facing serious health problems. DeWitt, known for his soaring harmonies and songwriting talents (he penned “Flowers on the Wall”), had been battling Crohn’s disease for years. As his condition worsened, The Statler Brothers needed someone to temporarily fill in—someone who could match Lew’s delicate range and blend seamlessly with the group’s signature sound.
Enter Jimmy Fortune, a little-known singer from Virginia who had been performing in small venues and writing songs while trying to make a name for himself. A mutual friend of Lew’s had heard Jimmy perform and recommended him.
A Last-Minute Audition That Changed Everything
Jimmy was asked to audition—not in a formal studio, but live, on stage. The group was scheduled to play in Nashville, and with Lew unable to perform, Jimmy had a single shot to prove himself.
“I had one night to learn all the parts, all the harmonies,” Fortune later recalled. “It was terrifying, but I knew this was my chance.”
He performed with the group in front of a live audience—and he blew them away. His ability to nail the intricate tenor harmonies, along with his humble stage presence, impressed not just the crowd, but Don, Harold, and Phil as well.
From Temporary to Permanent
Originally hired as a temporary fill-in, Jimmy Fortune ended up becoming a full-time Statler Brother just months later, when Lew DeWitt officially stepped down due to health reasons. What was supposed to be a short-term solution became a life-changing role.
“I never dreamed I’d be standing in Lew’s place,” Jimmy once said. “I just wanted to honor him—and be part of something bigger than myself.”
His Contributions Were More Than Just Vocal
Jimmy didn’t just sing—he wrote. His songwriting became a core part of the group’s later success. He penned several hits for The Statler Brothers, including:
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“Elizabeth”
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“Too Much on My Heart”
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“My Only Love”
These songs brought the group renewed chart success in the 1980s and showcased Jimmy’s unique ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with tight harmony.
A Legacy Sealed
Jimmy Fortune remained with The Statler Brothers until the group retired in 2002. Since then, he’s gone on to have a successful solo career in gospel and country music, often performing the songs that first made him a household name.
Looking back, fans and critics agree: Jimmy’s addition to the group didn’t just sustain The Statler Brothers—it transformed them.
A small-town tenor with a big heart stepped into a legend’s shoes—and made the role his own.