When Jimmy Fortune joins Bill Gaither on stage or in the studio, it’s more than a performance — it’s a meeting of two men whose voices have carried comfort, inspiration, and heartfelt tradition to generations of fans. Their collaborations in recent years have given new life to Fortune’s remarkable catalog and shone a spotlight on his legacy, especially his unforgettable time with one of country music’s most beloved groups: The Statler Brothers.
Jimmy Fortune’s Time with The Statler Brothers
Fortune’s journey with The Statler Brothers began in 1982, when he was invited to join the group after the retirement of founding tenor Lew DeWitt due to health issues. At the time, Fortune was still a young and relatively unknown singer, but his voice — clear, emotional, and soaring — was a perfect fit. More than just a replacement, Jimmy became an essential part of the Statlers’ sound, helping carry them through the next two decades.
What set Fortune apart wasn’t just his vocal ability, but his talent as a songwriter. He penned several of the group’s most enduring hits, including:
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“Elizabeth” (1983) – A tender love ballad that became one of the Statlers’ biggest hits and a fan favorite.
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“Too Much on My Heart” (1985) – A song of emotional burden and quiet strength that topped the country charts.
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“My Only Love” and “More Than a Name on a Wall” – Heartfelt and deeply reflective, showing Fortune’s gift for writing songs that resonate with the soul.
Jimmy remained with The Statler Brothers until their retirement in 2002, helping close out their legendary run with grace and excellence. But his journey didn’t end there.
Solo Work and Collaborations with Bill Gaither
After the Statlers retired, Jimmy Fortune launched a successful solo career, focusing on songs of faith, family, and reflection. His collaborations with Bill Gaither and the Gaither Homecoming family have been particularly meaningful. These performances often spotlight Fortune’s deep faith and humble spirit, with powerful renditions of songs like:
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“I Believe”
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“On the Other Side”
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“God and Country”
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And acoustic, soul-stirring versions of his Statler-era classics.
Through Gaither’s platform, a new generation of fans has discovered Fortune’s music, and longtime listeners have been reminded why his voice continues to inspire. In intimate settings with fellow artists like Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry, or Ben Speer, Jimmy’s performances are stripped down and sincere — never flashy, always heartfelt.
A Legacy Still Growing
Today, Jimmy Fortune stands tall as a solo artist and storyteller, with a career that spans from sold-out arenas with The Statler Brothers to the quiet spiritual warmth of Gaither Homecoming concerts. Whether singing about love, loss, hope, or heaven, Jimmy Fortune’s music is a bridge — between country and gospel, past and present, sorrow and faith.
And through it all, Bill Gaither continues to shine a well-deserved light on Fortune’s artistry — reminding us that some voices are truly timeless.