They were known for their smooth harmonies, clean-cut image, and timeless country hits—but behind the scenes, the founding members of The Statler Brothers were living a life filled with surprising twists, hilarious misadventures, and unforgettable encounters with country royalty
In a newly unearthed interview and companion memoir excerpts, the original Statlers—Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, and Don Reid—shared jaw-dropping stories from their early touring days that fans never saw coming.
“People thought we were quiet Southern gentlemen,” Harold Reid once joked, “and most days we were—but other times, not so much!”
Among the most unexpected revelations? A tale of spending the night in jail—not for scandal, but for accidentally crossing state lines with expired paperwork while on tour.
“The sheriff actually recognized us,” Phil recalled, laughing. “He let us go after we sang ‘Flowers on the Wall’ in the holding room!”
But the stories weren’t all mischievous. One of the group’s most treasured memories involved a chance meeting with Western legend Roy Rogers. According to Don Reid, the moment felt like stepping into a movie:
“Roy tipped his hat, smiled that famous smile, and told us he was a fan. We just stood there like kids—completely starstruck.”