Lew DeWitt: The Golden Tenor Who Left Too Soon
In the history of country music, certain voices become more than just sound — they become a feeling. For The Statler Brothers, that feeling came from Lew DeWitt, the group’s original tenor, whose crystal-clear high notes and heartfelt delivery defined their harmonies for nearly two decades.
Born April 8, 1938 in Roanoke, Virginia, Lewis Calvin DeWitt discovered his love for music as a boy, often singing in church and school gatherings. By the late 1950s, he joined forces with Don Reid, Harold Reid, and Phil Balsley to form what would become one of the most celebrated vocal groups in country music history — The Statler Brothers.
The Voice That Stood Apart
While the group became known for their rich four-part harmony, it was Lew’s tenor that gave their sound its shimmer. Whether on gospel standards like “How Great Thou Art” or country favorites like “Flowers on the Wall”, Lew’s voice was both pure and powerful — the kind that could soar above the melody without ever overpowering it.
Behind the scenes, Lew was also an accomplished musician and songwriter. He wrote “Flowers on the Wall”, a song that not only became The Statlers’ signature hit but also won them a Grammy Award and launched them into national stardom in 1965. The quirky, melancholy tune showcased Lew’s wit and musical genius, cementing his place in country music history.
The Battle That Silenced the Stage
In the late 1970s, Lew was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that would change the course of his life. The grueling effects of the disease — constant pain, fatigue, and the physical toll of treatment — made touring nearly impossible. In 1982, after years of pushing through the struggle, Lew made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from The Statler Brothers.
Though Jimmy Fortune would join the group and carry the tenor part forward, Lew’s absence was deeply felt — not only by fans but by his bandmates, who considered him a brother.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Even after leaving the Statlers, Lew continued to perform locally and record music when his health allowed. His dedication to his craft never wavered, but by 1990, his battle with Crohn’s had taken a devastating toll.
On August 15, 1990, Lew DeWitt passed away at the age of 52. The country music world mourned the loss of not just a great voice, but a gentle soul whose music had brought comfort and joy to millions.
Don Reid later reflected, “Lew had a voice like no one else. He could make a note feel like sunlight. We miss him every day.”
A Harmony That Still Rings
Today, more than three decades after his passing, Lew’s influence still echoes in the harmonies of country and gospel music. “Flowers on the Wall” remains a classic, and every time it plays, listeners can hear the unique magic Lew brought to the world.
His story is a reminder that while illness may steal time, it cannot erase the beauty a person leaves behind. Lew DeWitt’s tenor still lives — not only on old vinyl records and in dusty jukeboxes, but in the hearts of those who believe that the best harmonies never truly fade.