Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Remembering The Death Of Lew Dewitt, Who Sang Tenor For The Statler Brothers

Lew Dewitt Death
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

On August 15, 1990, Lew Dewitt died from heart and kidney disease, which resulted from his long-suffering of the tortuous Crohn’s disease. According to his road and business manager, Dewitt breathed one’s last during his sleep at his home in Waynesboro, Virginia. He was 52. 

Dewitt and his three childhood friends – Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, and Joe McDorman – formed the Four-Star Quartet in 1948. McDorman left the group and Harold’s younger brother, Don Reid, stepped in. 

The quartet, which later changed its name to the Kingsmen and eventually The Statler Brothers, originally sang gospel music. However, the group met country superstar Johnny Cash in 1964. They then joined him on the road and completely switched to country music.

Soon enough, The Statler Brothers gained the love of many country music fans and built a massive, devoted following. They won three Grammy Awards and were named top vocal groups by the Country Music Association – not only once, but nine amazing times.

Lew Dewitt Quit The Perennially-Popular Group

RELATED: Some Exciting Facts About Lew Dewitt, One Of The Most Recognizable Voices In Country Music

While The Statler Brothers’ fame continued soaring, the rigors of life on the road took their toll on Lew DeWitt. Behind the limelight, he was bravely fighting an intestinal inflammation called Crohn’s Disease that had plagued him since a young age.

In the face of declining health, DeWitt’s appearance with the group had been limited. He joined The Statler Brothers one last time when they hosted the annual Music City News Awards show in June 1982 – and before the month ended, it was announced to the public that he’d be officially leaving the group. Jimmy Fortune stepped in as his replacement.

But DeWitt’s love for music has always been so deep. So, when his health gradually improved after various treatments, he mounted a solo career. He continued performing with a less-strenuous schedule along with the Star City Band.

He officially retired from the music business in 1989.

Truly, the death of Lew Dewitt was one of the saddest moments in country music. 

Latest Stories

Garth Brooks appears emotional beside a photo of Larry Bastian, the late songwriter and mentor who helped shape Brooks’ early career and co-wrote “Unanswered Prayers.”

Garth Brooks Is Grieving Someone Who Meant Everything to Him

Garth Brooks is mourning the loss of Larry Bastian, the songwriter who helped shape some of his most iconic music and played a deeply personal role in his early career. ...

Lorrie Morgan performs at the Grand Ole Opry with a somber expression, now pausing her tour as her husband Randy White battles a serious health crisis.

Lorrie Morgan Cancels All April Shows as Husband Faces Major Health Crisis

Country music veteran Lorrie Morgan is stepping away from the spotlight this month as her husband, Randy White, faces a serious health battle. Morgan has canceled all of her concerts ...

Doug Kiker, known as "The Singing Garbage Man" from American Idol, appears emotional against a blue backdrop—his expression now echoing the heartbreak of his recently revealed cause of death.

‘American Idol’ Favorite Doug Kiker’s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Doug Kiker, the former American Idol contestant whose heartfelt audition once moved the nation, died at 32. Officials with the City and County of Denver Medical Examiner confirmed this week ...

George Strait smiles from the driver’s seat of his truck at a Texas Dairy Queen, while an excited worker captures the unforgettable moment outside his window.

George Strait Rolled Up to Dairy Queen and Left One Worker Shaking With Excitement

“That’s George Strait.” Becky Gonzalez wasn’t sure she heard her coworker right. It was just another shift at the Dairy Queen drive-thru in Cotulla, Texas, a small town an hour ...

Hank Williams Sr. smiles in a vintage portrait with his guitar, a haunting reminder of the country icon we lost too soon—and the legacy that could've shaped decades more of real country music.

What If Hank Williams Sr. Had Lived? How Country Music Might Be Different Today

When Hank Williams Sr. died alone in the backseat of a Cadillac on New Year’s Day 1953, country music didn’t just lose its biggest star. It lost its moral compass. ...

Jelly Roll beams with pride as he hugs his daughter Bailee, dressed in a yellow prom gown and holding red roses, capturing a heartfelt father-daughter moment.

Jelly Roll Couldn’t Hold It Together Watching His Daughter Leave for Prom

Jelly Roll has stood under stage lights in packed arenas, delivering songs soaked in pain, redemption, and raw truth. But nothing hits quite like watching his daughter, Bailee Ann, step ...

Kelly Clarkson delivers a soul-stirring performance of Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow,” transforming the country anthem into a personal power statement during her Kellyoke segment.

Kelly Clarkson Just Sang Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” Like It Was Always Hers

Kelly Clarkson didn’t tiptoe into Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”. She charged straight through the front door with a voice full of gospel grit, Texas twang, and zero hesitation. On ...

Miranda Lambert performs with a smile in bold pink fringe, still lighting up the stage even as award shows continue to overlook her—leaving fans wondering why the most decorated ACM artist in history isn’t getting the recognition she used to.

Miranda Lambert’s CMA and ACM Snubs Have People Talking And the Theories Are Spicy

For nearly two decades, Miranda Lambert’s name was practically etched into the stage at country music’s biggest nights. From the CMAs to the ACMs, she racked up award after award ...

Willie Nelson and George Strait smile and share a warm moment onstage, each holding a guitar, during their first-ever duet performance at a tribute concert.

George Strait and Willie Nelson’s First Duet Took Years to Happen But It Was Worth It

Two Texas legends. One historic stage. And a question fans had quietly asked for decades: why hadn’t this happened before? On January 12, 2019, country music finally got the answer ...

Thomas Rhett sits in a wheelchair with a wrapped ankle, smiling and waving as his wife, Lauren, pushes him backstage. The couple laughs together after his onstage injury during a surprise concert entrance.

Thomas Rhett Breaks His Ankle Mid-Entrance and Leaves Stage in a Wheelchair

One minute Thomas Rhett was making a grand surprise entrance. The next, he was flat on the floor with a broken ankle—and still managed to give a performance that left ...