When the Statler Brothers grabbed the mics at Johnny Cash’s 1980 anniversary TV special, it was one big reunion between old pals.
Yessir, Cash took those young whippersnappers under his wing years prior when they were just gettin’ their feet wet touring. He saw himself in them babyfaced hopefuls and blessed them with friendship and opportunity.
Well the Statler Brothers shining fancy boots sure have some tales to tell going way back with country’s ravishing rebel Johnny Cash himself. Why those two acts coming together was a match blessed by the stars themselves.
It started one night when Cash saw potential under the stage lights as those glowing greenhorns were harmonizing up an audible storm believing Nashville fame might not be too farfetched. He saw his own fire kindled behind their eyes.
So ole Johnny blessed them boys by taking their ragtag troupe out on the road, not as openers but as equals traveling state-to-state trading stories two acts to one room in Tulsa or wherever the next marquee was lit.
Years down the line when Cash was fixing for an anniversary hoedown in 1980, he knew just who to call to commemorate the good times that got him there. And sho’nuff the Statlers came strumming right to action with a fitting tribute.
Their harmony-laden ditty tipped the hat to Johnny lighting the way for them back when luck shined his direction first.
Shoot, you could see the audience getting dewy-eyed too remembering Cash’s generosity with new artists. Helping others toward their own glory days. Cause that’s just how they did things in country music’s heyday.
Heck, seeing their brotherly love can still turn the most rugged cowboys into sentimental softies quicker than a Nashville minute. Smiling with nostalgia hearing how icons earned their wings thanks to fellow angels. That’s country for ya.
So soak up a special reunion between musical soul brothers by clicking play below, ya hear!
