At 79, Don Reid walks slowly through the quiet halls of the old church where The Statler Brothers first sang in harmony — four voices, one heart. No microphones. No spotlights. Just him — and the memory of Harold’s deep voice echoing from the past. He stops near the altar, where they once rehearsed gospel songs side by side, and the silence now feels louder than any applause they ever earned. He runs his hand along the pew, eyes misting, and whispers, “We shared a stage for decades… but I’d give anything just to share one more Sunday morning.”
When The Statler Brothers sing “The Old Rugged Cross,” it’s more than a performance—it’s a testimony. Reverent, honest, and beautifully arranged, their version of this cherished hymn is a shining example of gospel music at its most heartfelt. With their trademark four-part harmony and sincere delivery, The Statlers transform this century-old song into a living expression of faith and devotion, passed down through generations.
Originally written in 1912 by Rev. George Bennard, “The Old Rugged Cross” has become one of the most enduring hymns in Christian music. Its message—of sacrifice, redemption, and eternal hope—has comforted worshippers for over a century. But in the hands of The Statler Brothers, it finds a new layer of emotional depth, as their harmonies carry the words not only into the ears, but directly into the hearts of listeners.
The Statlers—Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, and Lew DeWitt (and later Jimmy Fortune)—built their career on blending gospel roots with country storytelling. And nowhere is that foundation more evident than in their sacred recordings. Their voices, individually distinctive and collectively seamless, bring both strength and tenderness to every verse.
From the gentle lead vocal that opens the song to the swelling harmonies that rise with each chorus, their rendition feels both intimate and eternal. There’s no showmanship—just faith and feeling, delivered with the kind of humility that only comes from lifelong belief.
Lines like “So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross / Till my trophies at last I lay down…” are sung with such conviction that they become personal prayers. The Statlers don’t just sing about the cross—they point to it, with gratitude and awe.
Musically, the arrangement is simple: soft piano, subtle acoustic backing, and rich vocal layering. It’s this restraint that gives the song its power. It’s not loud—it’s deep. Not dramatic—it’s devotional.
In their version of “The Old Rugged Cross,” The Statler Brothers offer more than a tribute to a classic hymn. They extend a hand of comfort to the weary, a reminder of grace to the faithful, and a legacy of harmony that will echo in churches and homes for generations to come.
As Don Reid quietly treads the sanctuary where their voices once blended in perfect unison, the echoes of past Sundays resonate, stirring a profound sense of nostalgia and sacred brotherhood. This is more than music; it is a lifeblood of faith, heritage, and everlasting hope standing timeless in the hearts of those who listen.
