In a raw and emotional confession that has sent ripples through the country music world, legendary singer Jimmy Fortune has revealed the heart-wrenching story behind his storied career, a journey he insists would have been impossible without the profound trust of one man: the late, great Lew DeWitt of The Statler Brothers. This was not just a career move; it was an act of faith that would echo through eternity.
“I owe everything to Lew,” Fortune stated, his voice thick with an emotion that has not faded over the decades. In a startlingly candid interview, he confessed, “If it weren’t for him believing in me, I wouldn’t have the career I have today. He gave me a chance when no one else would, and that’s something I’ll never forget.” The weight of those words hangs heavy, a testament to a debt of gratitude that time cannot erase.
The year was 1982, a pivotal moment for The Statler Brothers. Lew DeWitt, a founding pillar of the group, was facing a private, devastating health crisis. In a move that shocked many, he handpicked Fortune to step into his monumental shoes. But what the world didn’t fully grasp was the depth of DeWitt’s personal anguish, a secret struggle that makes his faith in Fortune all the more remarkable. “Lew was battling his own personal struggles, but he still saw something in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself,” Fortune revealed. “He chose to trust me, and that trust shaped everything that followed.“
This mentorship went far beyond just hitting the right notes on stage. It was a masterclass in heart and soul. “Lew was a leader in every sense of the word,” Jimmy shared, his admiration clear. “He taught me not only how to perform but how to connect with the audience and how to make every performance count. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about bringing your heart to the stage every single time.“
A defining moment in this sacred trust came when DeWitt stepped back, allowing Fortune to take the lead on what would become one of the band’s most iconic songs, “Elizabeth.” For an artist, this was the ultimate blessing. “That was a big moment for me,” Jimmy reflected. “Lew passed on the torch in a way that not only helped me grow as a singer but also as an artist.” It was a public anointment, a transfer of a holy musical duty.
Even as his health failed, forcing him to leave the group he helped build, DeWitt’s final act of faith was perhaps his greatest. He entrusted his life’s work, his very legacy, to Fortune. “Lew trusted me to carry on the legacy of The Statler Brothers,” Jimmy said solemnly. “It wasn’t just about performing the songs. It was about keeping the spirit of what we had alive. That’s something I will always cherish.” Today, Fortune remains forever grateful, a keeper of the flame, ensuring the spirit of his mentor and friend lives on. “Lew’s spirit is in every song we sang,” he declared.
“I’ll never be able to repay Lew for what he did for me,” Fortune vowed. “But I’ll make sure his legacy lives on, in every performance, every note I sing.“
