Lew DeWitt is best remembered as a tenor and guitarist of the country music group Statler Brothers. He also penned a handful of The Statler Brothers Songs, including the band’s first major hit, “Flowers On The Wall,” which made it to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while peaking at No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100.
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Sadly, nearly thirty years later, he left the group for health reasons. He later rejoined, but this arrangement only lasted less than a week. He officially retired from The Statler Brothers Band that same month but remained active as a performer until his health went into a downward spiral.
Today, we’re going to celebrate DeWitt’s life and musical contributions with random facts you might not know yet.
1. He’s a Roanoke, Virginia native.
DeWitt was born on March 12, 1938, to parents Lewis Calvin DeWitt and Rose Esther Hogan DeWitt.
2. He learned to play musical instruments and developed his strong tenor in his youth, which eventually became his trademark.
DeWitt joined the Four Star Quartet during his teenage years and started performing at local churches and talent shows.
3. He once worked as a taxicab driver.
While Four Star Quartet was fairly successful, DeWitt worked as a taxicab driver to augment his income.
4. He was married three times.
DeWitt first married Glenda Kay Simmers in 1961. The couple had four children together. Later on, he married Joyce Anne Arehart, and then Judy Fitzgerald Wells.
5. He never enjoyed being in the spotlight.
His wife Judy Wells described DeWitt as a humble man, down to earth, and never arrogant. He made it big, never understanding how or why.
Lew DeWitt died on August 15, 1990, due to heart and kidney disease, but his strong tenor singing voice will forever be cherished.
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Lew Dewitt, The Statler Brothers