Don Reid paid a deeply personal tribute to his late brother, Harold, with one last song in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia, dedicating the performance by saying, “This One’s Just for Him…”
There were no stage lights or encores—only a humble wooden platform in the town where it all began for The Statler Brothers. As the sun set, Don Reid stepped forward, alone. The voice that for decades created iconic harmonies now stood without his brother, co-writer, and lifelong companion, Harold. He brought no band or prepared speech, just a guitar, trembling hands, and a single song written from a place of profound loss.
The audience, filled with old friends, family, and devoted fans, leaned in as Don whispered into the microphone, “This one’s just for him.” Then, he began to sing. The song was not a hit or a recorded track; it was a raw and intimate expression, part prayer and part memory. His voice cracked with emotion during the second verse, moving everyone present. Behind him, a photo of Harold glowed softly, capturing his familiar smile.
By the final chorus, the crowd was held in a still, emotional silence. Don closed his eyes, letting the last note hang in the air like a final echo. He then spoke the words everyone knew were coming but dreaded to hear: “Goodbye, Harold. Sing one for me when I get there.”
He did not wait for applause. Setting his guitar down, Don Reid tipped his hat toward the heavens and quietly stepped off the stage. There was no curtain call, only the profound silence of love and the sound of one brother walking off stage for the very last time.
