April 27, 2020
Just about the time I am writing and posting this, family and friends are gathering graveside in Staunton, Virginia, to say goodbye to Harold Reid, the much-loved bass singer, and comedian of the Statler Brothers.
In normal times I would be there with them, sharing their grief at Harold’s passing, and fondly remembering all the times he made us laugh and sing along.
I probably knew Harold and the Statlers longer than anyone in the Nashville music community. I was there in Canton, Ohio, on New Year’s Day 1964 when Johnny Cash heard them sing and saw them perform for the first time. Harold’s brother, Don, songwriter and lead vocalist of the group told me on Saturday that the Statlers, known then as the Kingsmen Quartet, actually met me that day before they met Johnny. He even referred to me as “the 5th Statler Brother.” I’ve never been paid a nicer compliment.
I remember standing in the wings alongside Johnny as the Statlers tore the crowd apart with their harmonies and Harold’s goofball antics. Johnny had a mile-wide grin on his face the entire time, and something told me I was witnessing history in the making. He hired them that night.
I rode a lot of rivers alongside the Statlers. They invited me to their hometown for one of their famous 4th of July celebrations in the mid-seventies. Me and my Po’ Boys played a softball game against the Statler’s team in the morning (we got our tails whipped!), and then we did a concert for something like 50,000 fans that night. In return, the Statlers came to Provo, Utah, when I owned a radio station there, and starred in the biggest outdoor concert that town had ever seen. I didn’t have the nerve to suggest another softball game!
I guested on the Statler’s top-rated television show on The Nashville Network. They recorded, “City Lights,” for one of their albums. And in his role as Lester “Roadhog” Moran of the fictional Cadillac Cowboys, Harold dubbed me, “Bill Andrews…The Pore Ol’ Boy Hisself.” I’m still trying to live that one down.
The last time I saw Harold I knew his health was beginning to fail him. It was following Jimmy Dean’s funeral service in Richmond back in June 2010. I sat outside Jimmy’s pool house on Chaffin’s Bluff overlooking the James River with Harold and his wife, telling old war stories and laughing like a bunch of school kids.
It was a hot day, and I remember Harold perspiring through his royal blue dress shirt and telling me that he had been having some health issues. That trademark twinkle was still in his eyes, though, and I knew that whatever his issues were, he wouldn’t be going down without a fight.
And he didn’t. Don told me that when Harold refused kidney dialysis, the doctors gave him six months to live. That was a little over three years ago. Harold passed away Friday night at the age of 80.
I love ya’, “Road Hog,” and I’ll miss you. I’m so thankful for the time we got to spend together. Rest in peace, my friend….and save me a place.
Whistlin’ Bill Andrews
The Pore Ol’ Boy Hisself
April 28, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
My deepest sympathy to you and to Mr. Reid’s family. Another one of the really great entertainers. He will be missed something terrible.
April 28, 2020 @ 4:04 pm
When I first heard the news of Harold’s passing I was heart shattered and still am. And will be for a while. I saw the Statlers 70 times in concert and loved every minute. Even the New York Times called them country music’s best entertainers. Fly high, Harold. You’re home at last!!
April 28, 2020 @ 12:58 am
Bill, that was wonderful, completely from the heart.
I am 66, and came to country music later in life.
I now know what I have missed.
Thank you for making me realize I should have found it years ago.
I am. Widow, and you sing to me and keep me sane .
Thank you
Liz
April 27, 2020 @ 7:57 pm
It is sad news to hear of the passing of Harold Reid. The Statlers were one of Country Musics best groups or super groups as they are often known. I do think without Harold’s voice they would not have been so well known. Harold had suffered his illness for a while, but from what I have been reading, he did not let it get in the way of who he was. I have lost a couple of friends to Covid 19, and one of them had MS and apart from it robbed her of any ability to do something for herself, she did not let it get in the way of who she was. She still had her sense of humour as did Harold with his illness. The first time I ever heard the Statler Brothers was when I bought a record in the mid 70’s which was a 20 track compilation of various artists. Flowers on the wall was my introduction to these guys and still remains one of my favourite songs. Rest in peace Harold. You and Lew are now preparing to regroup for the master himself.
April 27, 2020 @ 11:26 am
what a great singer,entertainer,and funny man he was,will be missed,god bless you and thank you ,