Harold Reid, Statler Brothers bass singer, dies at 80

Harold Reid, who sang bass for Grammy-winning country group Statler Brors, has died after a long battle with kidney failure. He was 80.

Reid died Friday in his hometown of Staunton, Virginia, his nephew Debo Reid said.

Statler Brors frequently sang backup for country icon Johnny Cash. Some of ir biggest hits included 1965's “Flowers on Wall” and 1970′s “Bed of Rose’s.”

Harold Reid was a member of Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He was also a comedian.

“He is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans," a statement on band's

Reid and three boyhood friends — Lew DeWitt, Phil Balsley and Joe McDorman — formed Four-Star Quartet in 1948. group, later kwn as Kingsmen, sang mostly gospel music. McDorman quit and was replaced by Don Reid, Harold’s younger bror.

DeWitt once said group changed its name again because several or acts — all better kwn — were billed as Kingsmen. new name came from a box of Statler tissue, he said.

quartet switched to country music in 1964, after meeting Cash and joining his road show.

Over next two decades, Statlers won three Grammy Awards and were named top vocal groups nine times by Country Music Association.

“He leaves a large and loving family and millions of fans who remember his st and TV antics with smiles and cherish his music that will live with s,” Debo Reid said in a statement.