When The Statler Brothers sing “The Old Rugged Cross,” it transcends mere performance — it becomes a testimony. Reverent, heartfelt, and meticulously arranged, their rendition stands as a shining example of gospel music at its most heartfelt. Their signature four-part harmony and sincere delivery transform this century-old hymn into a living expression of faith and devotion, a spiritual gift passed lovingly through generations.
Originally penned in 1912 by Rev. George Bennard, “The Old Rugged Cross” has endured as one of the most beloved hymns in Christian music history. Its profound message of sacrifice, redemption, and eternal hope has comforted countless worshippers for more than a century. Yet, in the hands of The Statler Brothers, it’s imbued with a new layer of emotional depth — their harmony doesn’t just reach ears; it pierces hearts.
The Statlers — Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt (later joined by Jimmy Fortune) — built their legacy by melding gospel roots with country storytelling. This foundation is unmistakable in their sacred recordings, where their voices, each unique yet blending seamlessly, exude both strength and tenderness in every verse.
From the soft lead vocal that opens the song to the rich harmonies swelling through each chorus, their interpretation feels intimately eternal. There is no theatrical flair — only genuine faith and feeling, delivered with the humble conviction that only decades of sincere belief can bring.
Lines such as
“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross / Till my trophies at last I lay down…”
are sung with such honest conviction that they transform into personal prayers. The Statlers do more than sing about the cross — they point to it, with reverence and gratitude.
Musically, the arrangement is deceptively simple: soft piano, subtle acoustic backing, and rich vocal layering. This restraint is precisely where the power lies. It’s not loud, it’s deep. Not dramatic, but deeply devotional.
Through their version of “The Old Rugged Cross,” The Statler Brothers offer not just a homage to a classic hymn but extend a hand of comfort to the weary, a gentle reminder of grace to the faithful, and a timeless legacy of harmony destined to echo in churches and homes for generations.
Near the altar of the old church — where these four brothers first sang in harmony without microphones, without spotlights — Don Reid, now 79, walks slowly through the silent halls, carrying memories of Harold’s deep voice echoing from the past. Pausing, he gently touches the pew and whispers with misted eyes,
“We shared a stage for decades… but I’d give anything just to share one more Sunday morning.”
Some bonds transcend death, lingering soft and sacred in the sacred places where brothers once believed in something greater than fame.
