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Jimmy Fortune
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Key Information
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Lester James Fortune Sr. (born March 11, 1955) is an American country music singer from Nelson County, Virginia. Fortune sang tenor for The Statler Brothers for 21 years, and wrote the song "Elizabeth" for the group.[1] When the Statler Brothers disbanded, he began to perform as a solo artist.
Fortune was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 as a member of The Statler Brothers.
Biography
[edit]Fortune grew up in Nelson County, Virginia, where he attended Nelson County High School in Lovingston, Virginia.[2]
The original tenor of the Statler Brothers, Lew DeWitt, heard Fortune sing at a local ski resort. DeWitt suffered from Crohn's disease and asked Fortune to audition for the band. Fortune started performing with the Statlers in 1982, originally as a temporary replacement. He joined permanently when DeWitt left due to ill health.[2]
Fortune wrote several number-one songs recorded by the Statler Brothers, including "Elizabeth", "Too Much on My Heart", and "My Only Love". "More Than a Name on a Wall" was a top-10 country hit. He spent 21 years touring, singing, and performing with the Statler Brothers.
After the Statlers disbanded in 2002, Fortune continued his career as a solo artist with an extensive performance schedule in the U.S. and Canada. He has continued as a songwriter and has recorded some projects in Nashville. In 2015, he released Hits & Hymns produced by Ben Isaacs.[2] The album reached the Top Ten on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. The DVD release of a TV special, "Jimmy Fortune: Hits & Hymns," hosted by Bill Gaither, debuted at numver one on the Billboard Music Video chart.[1] In 2020, Fortune joined Bradley Walker, Ben Isaacs, and Mike Rogers to form Brothers of the Heart.[3][4] They have released three albums to date: Brotherly Love (2020),[5] Listen To The Music (2023),[6] and Will The Circle Be Unbroken (2023).[7]
In 2023, a bronze statue of Fortune was unveiled in Nelson County, Virginia. Fortune attended the ceremony, where a statue of fellow Nelson County native Earl Hamner Jr. was also dedicated.[8]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country [9] |
US [10] |
US Christ [11] | |||
| When One Door Closes |
|
— | — | — | |
| I Believe |
|
— | — | — | |
| Feels Like Christmas |
|
— | — | — | |
| Windows |
|
— | — | — | |
| Lessons |
|
— | — | — | |
| Hits & Hymns |
|
10 | 156 | 6 | US: 42,800[12] |
| Sings the Classics[13] |
|
— | — | — | US: 13,400[14] |
| God & Country |
|
— | — | 11 |
|
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "What Money Can't Buy" | When One Door Closes |
| 2004 | "Elizabeth" |
Guest singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "God Bless the Children" (with Wayne Warner and the Nashville All-Star Choir)[16] | Turbo Twang'n | |
| 2013 | "Working on a Building" | Marty Raybon (with T. Graham Brown & Trace Adkins) | Working on a Building |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "Dare the World" (Various Artists) | John Lloyd Miller |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Beck, Ken (February 23, 2016). "Fortune smiles on Jimmy Fortune". The Wilson Post. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
- ^ a b c Yarborough, Chuck (October 16, 2015). "Statlers' Jimmy Fortune talks 'Hits & Hymns' with PD critic (and former classmate)". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
- ^ Woolum, Brandon (February 10, 2023). "A Conversation with Brothers of the Heart (Fortune, Walker, Rogers, Isaacs)". CCM Magazine. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ Evans Price, Deborah (September 18, 2020). "Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs, Mike Rogers and Bradley Walker Deliver New Take on Statlers' Classic 'Elizabeth'". Sounds Like Nashville. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ Longs, Herb (September 3, 2020). "Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers & Ben Isaacs Release Gaither Music Group CD, DVD & TV Special". The Christian Beat.
- ^ "Music News: Brothers of the Heart to perform on The Opry Feb. 7; 'Listen To The Music' hits #1 on Billboard Christian album chart". Today Christian Entertainment. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ "Brothers of the Heart To Release Third Album 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' on Nov. 3". 27 October 2023.
- ^ Shipley, Kaylee. "Nelson County unveils Earl Hamner Jr. and Jimmy Fortune statues". ABC13 News. Published July 9, 2023. Accessed January 3, 2024.
- ^ "Jimmy Fortune Album & Song Chart History - Country Albums". Billboard.
- ^ "Jimmy Fortune Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard.
- ^ "Jimmy Fortune Album & Song Chart History - Christian Albums". Billboard.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (March 28, 2016). "Country Album Chart: March 29, 2016". Roughstock. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- ^ Casey, Jim (March 20, 2017). "Jimmy Fortune "Sings the Classics" on New Album, Including "Unchained Melody," "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Wake Up Little Susie" & More". Nash Country Daily. Archived from the original on April 23, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (April 30, 2018). "Top 10 Country Albums Sales Chart: April 30, 2018". Roughstock. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (October 7, 2019). "Top 10 Country Albums: Pure Sales Chart for October 7, 2019". RoughStock. Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
- ^ "Nashville All Star Choir". Wayne Warner. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Jimmy Fortune
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Early Life
Childhood and Family
Jimmy Fortune was born on March 11, 1955, in Williamsburg, Virginia, and soon after, his family relocated to rural Nelson County, where he grew up in a modest, working-class household.[8] As the seventh of nine children, Fortune was raised in a close-knit, musical family environment that emphasized gospel traditions; his father played the mandolin, while his mother actively encouraged all the children to participate in singing at church services and during family gatherings at home.[8][9] This early immersion in family sing-alongs and participation in local church events during the 1950s and 1960s provided his initial exposure to country and gospel music, fostering a deep-rooted passion for performance.[8][9] Fortune attended Nelson County High School in Lovingston, Virginia, but left before graduation and later earned a GED, without pursuing higher education right away.[10]Musical Beginnings
Jimmy Fortune's introduction to music occurred during his childhood in Nelson County, Virginia, where his family of nine children regularly participated in gospel singing at local churches. As the seventh child, he was surrounded by a household that valued musical expression, with his parents leading hymn sessions that fostered his early vocal talents. This environment provided his first performances, immersing him in the harmonies of traditional gospel music from a young age.[9] Fortune began developing his instrumental skills independently around age eight, when he found an old guitar discarded in a dumpster and taught himself to play. By twelve, he acquired his own guitar and started performing at elementary school PTA meetings and small local venues, often receiving nickels from audiences for his efforts. These early experiences, though modest, built his confidence despite his mother's preference for him to pursue preaching over entertainment.[9] His musical style was profoundly shaped by gospel quartets such as the Blackwood Brothers and the Kingsmen Quartet, whose tight harmonies and spiritual depth left a lasting impression, alongside country influences like Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. In his late teens during the 1960s and early 1970s, Fortune formed amateur groups and played cover songs in Virginia's regional music scenes, including hotel clubs where he performed six nights a week while holding a daytime job at a car dealership. These stints in local bands and occasional auditions provided practical experience, refining his tenor voice and stage presence before his professional breakthrough.[9][11]Career
With The Statler Brothers
Jimmy Fortune joined The Statler Brothers in 1982 as a temporary replacement for tenor vocalist Lew DeWitt, who had left the group due to health issues related to Crohn's disease. DeWitt had heard Fortune performing at a local ski resort in Virginia and recommended him to the band, leading to an audition in Nashville. Fortune's first performance with the group occurred on January 28, 1982, in Savannah, Georgia, and he soon became the permanent tenor, serving in the role for the next two decades.[12] As the group's tenor, Fortune contributed significantly to their signature gospel-country sound, blending harmonious quartets with themes of faith, love, and everyday life. His songwriting became a cornerstone of their success, earning credits on several number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. These included "Elizabeth" in 1983, which he wrote entirely; "My Only Love" in 1985; and "Too Much on My Heart" in 1985.[13][14][6] Fortune also co-wrote the top 10 hit "More Than a Name on a Wall" in 1989 with John Rimel.[6] Fortune's tenure also included high-profile media exposure, particularly through the group's own variety program, The Statler Brothers Show, which aired on The Nashville Network (TNN) from 1991 to 1998. The series featured the quartet's performances of their hits, gospel numbers, and comedy sketches, showcasing their tight-knit dynamics and broad appeal to country and religious audiences. During the 1990s, the show helped maintain the Statler Brothers' status as one of country's most enduring acts, with Fortune's soaring tenor adding emotional depth to their repertoire.[15] In 2002, after 21 years together, The Statler Brothers announced their retirement from touring, citing a desire to step away after nearly four decades in the industry. The group embarked on a farewell tour, culminating in a final concert on October 26, 2002, near their hometown in Salem, Virginia, marking the end of Fortune's time with the quartet.[16][17]Solo Career
After the disbandment of The Statler Brothers in 2002, Jimmy Fortune launched his solo career with the release of his debut album, When One Door Closes, in August 2003 on Audium/Koch Records. The album featured original songs and covers, showcasing Fortune's signature tenor voice in a mix of country ballads and reflective tracks, including his earlier hit "Elizabeth."[2] Building on this foundation, Fortune's subsequent releases increasingly incorporated gospel elements, reflecting a stylistic evolution toward themes of faith and personal redemption following his group tenure. His 2005 gospel album I Believe on Fortune Enterprises emphasized spiritual content with tracks like the title song and "Amazing Grace." This shift continued with the country-focused Windows in 2009, the gospel-oriented Lessons in 2012, the hybrid Hits & Hymns in 2015 via Gaither Music Group—which blended Statler Brothers classics with hymns—and the patriotic and faith-infused God & Country in 2019. These works highlighted Fortune's ability to merge his country roots with deeper gospel influences, often exploring redemption and spiritual journeys.[2] Fortune's solo endeavors extended to prominent performances on the Gaither Homecoming series, where his tenor harmonies and emotive delivery resonated with audiences in gospel settings, as seen in collaborations on projects like Hits & Hymns. By the 2010s, he established a robust solo touring schedule, performing at venues across the U.S. and internationally, often drawing on his Statler Brothers experience to deliver intimate, harmony-driven sets that appealed to both country and gospel fans.[18][2]Recent Projects
In 2020, Jimmy Fortune formed the country-gospel supergroup Brothers of the Heart alongside Ben Isaacs, Bradley Walker, and Mike Rogers, debuting with the album Brotherly Love, which featured reimagined classics and original tracks blending their vocal harmonies. The group continued their collaborative efforts with the sophomore album Listen to the Music in January 2023, showcasing covers of country standards like "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and emphasizing Fortune's longstanding gospel influences from his solo career.[19][20] Later that year, in November, they released their third project, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, recorded at the Grand Ole Opry and hosted by Statler Brothers alum Don Reid, further highlighting their shared roots in Southern gospel and country traditions.[21] On the solo front, Fortune issued the album Songs of an American Dreamer in June 2025, a live-in-the-studio recording that included heartfelt originals and covers reflecting themes of faith, family, and American life.[22][23] Preceding the album, he released the single "Thank God for Mamma and Daddy" in May 2025, a personal tribute to parental influence written and performed by Fortune himself.[24] In July 2023, a life-size bronze statue honoring Fortune's musical legacy was unveiled at the Oakland Museum in Nelson County, Virginia, alongside one for The Waltons creator Earl Hamner Jr., recognizing their contributions as native sons of the region.[25][26]Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Jimmy Fortune has been married to his wife, Nina, for over two decades, with their partnership serving as a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Nina plays a pivotal role in managing the logistics and administrative aspects of Fortune's career, allowing him to focus on his music while providing steadfast support during extensive travels. Their collaboration extends to shared personal stories that underscore a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and shared values.[27][11] As a father to seven children and grandfather to twelve grandchildren, Fortune draws significant inspiration from his family, which often grounds the themes in his work. His song "Thank God for Mamma and Daddy" exemplifies this influence, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring impact of parental love, prayer, and family unity, reflecting the values instilled in him from his own upbringing in a large musical family. These familial elements frequently intersect with his faith-based music, both during his time with the Statler Brothers and in his solo career, where songs emphasize gratitude, spiritual resilience, and the stabilizing role of loved ones.[28][29][11] Fortune resides in Tennessee but maintains strong ties to Virginia, where extended family lives near Staunton in Nelson County, and he remains actively involved in local community events, including the unveiling of his statue at the Oakland Museum on July 8, 2023, which honors his roots and contributions to the region's cultural heritage. This proximity to family provides a sense of grounding amid his touring schedule, reinforcing the faith-centered narratives that permeate his discography.[11][30]Philanthropy and Challenges
Jimmy Fortune has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts supporting veterans, drawing from his long-standing tribute to those who served through his 1988 co-written song "More Than a Name on a Wall," which honors a mother's grief over her son killed in Vietnam and has become a staple in memorial events. Since the 1990s, Fortune has performed the song at Vietnam Veterans Memorial tributes, using his performances to raise awareness and funds for veterans' causes, including appearances at ceremonies that commemorate fallen soldiers and support organizations aiding their families.[2][31] In recent years, Fortune has expanded his veterans' philanthropy through dedicated concerts such as the "Salute to Service" series, where he offers discounted tickets to military personnel and features patriotic selections to celebrate and support hometown heroes. These events, like the November 8, 2025, performance at Athens State University, aim to foster community appreciation for veterans while generating proceeds for related initiatives.[31] Fortune's personal challenges have profoundly shaped his charitable work, particularly in areas of faith and recovery. He has openly shared experiences with addiction within his family, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love and support for those struggling, as discussed in his 2022 podcast appearance where he reflected on learning to "love the addicts in [his] families" amid ongoing hardships. This perspective has led to speaking engagements and collaborations promoting sobriety and emotional resilience. The tragic loss of his son, Lester James "Jimmy" Fortune Jr., who passed away on October 15, 2024, at age 51 after a sudden bout of pneumonia, compounded these challenges, prompting Fortune to channel his grief into advocacy for family support during crises. In 2025 interviews, he has shared how faith and comforting words from grandchildren—like "Papa, he's not dead… he's living with Jesus"—have helped him find peace.[32][33][34] In the 2010s, Fortune deepened his involvement in faith-based charities through partnerships with the Gaither Music Group, participating in outreach programs and gospel projects like the 2015 album Hits and Hymns and the 2019 God and Country, which earned a Dove Award in 2020. These efforts, including live performances and recordings, support Christian ministries focused on spiritual encouragement and community service, aligning with Fortune's testimony of faith as a source of healing from personal trials.[2]Awards and Honors
Group Achievements
During Jimmy Fortune's tenure as the tenor vocalist with The Statler Brothers from 1982 to 2002, the group earned significant recognition for their harmonious country and gospel recordings, solidifying their status as one of the most awarded acts in country music history.[15] The Statler Brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, honoring the collective contributions of members including Fortune, whose high tenor voice enhanced their signature four-part harmonies during the final two decades of the group's active career.[15][17] The group secured multiple Country Music Association (CMA) Awards for Vocal Group of the Year in the 1980s, including wins in 1980 and 1984; Fortune joined in time to contribute to the 1984 victory and subsequent performances that maintained their vocal excellence.[15][35] Additionally, The Statler Brothers won three Grammy Awards overall for their country and gospel work, with nominations continuing into the 1980s and 1990s that reflected their enduring influence in blending genres.[36] Sales milestones underscored their commercial success during Fortune's era, as several albums received RIAA certifications, including gold status for Holy Bible - New Testament (1993) and Christmas Card (1993), and multi-platinum for the compilation The Best of The Statler Brothers (certified platinum in 1994).[37][38]Individual Recognitions
Following his departure from The Statler Brothers in 2002, Jimmy Fortune established a successful solo career marked by several notable individual recognitions in country and gospel music circles. These honors underscore his contributions as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer in blending country traditions with gospel influences. In 2016, Fortune received his first Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year, co-writing and performing "Life's Railway to Heaven" alongside the Oak Ridge Boys on his album Hits & Hymns. This accolade highlighted his ability to revive classic gospel material with contemporary bluegrass arrangements, earning praise from the GMA for its artistic merit.[39] Fortune was inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2018 as a solo artist, recognizing his lifetime achievements in music originating from his home state. The ceremony, held at Nelson County High School, celebrated his roots in Virginia's musical heritage and his enduring impact on the genre after decades of performance.[40] His solo releases also achieved significant commercial success on various charts. For instance, the 2005 gospel album I Believe produced the single "Wrote It in Red," which topped the national Christian Voice Christian Country Top 100 chart, marking his first #1 as a solo artist. Similarly, the 2009 album Windows featured "In God We Trust," another #1 on the same chart, demonstrating his strong appeal in Christian country music. Later, the 2019 album God & Country debuted at #10 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, #1 on the Southern Gospel chart, and #6 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, reflecting his sustained popularity in faith-based recordings. The album won a GMA Dove Award in 2020 for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year.[41][42]Discography
Studio Albums
Jimmy Fortune launched his solo recording career with the debut album When One Door Closes, released in 2003 on Audium/Koch Records. The 11-track project, co-produced by Fortune and featuring songs like the title track (co-written with John Rimel) and "More Than a Name on a Wall," highlighted his signature country style and emotional depth following his departure from the Statler Brothers.[43][44] In 2004, Fortune shifted toward gospel with I Believe, issued on his own Fortune Enterprises label. This 13-track collection included inspirational standards such as "Amazing Grace" and the title song, blending originals with traditional hymns to emphasize faith and reflection. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Southern Gospel Albums chart and No. 6 on the Contemporary Christian Albums chart, underscoring its appeal in religious music circles.[45][42] Fortune returned to contemporary country sounds in 2009 with Windows, a self-released effort on Fortune Enterprises comprising 12 tracks. Songs like "Virginia Dreams" and "In God We Trust" explored themes of home, love, and spirituality, offering a mix of personal storytelling and uplifting narratives.[44][46] The 2012 release Lessons, also on Fortune Enterprises, featured 14 original country tracks, including the reflective title song and nostalgic cuts like "68 Chevelle" and "Skyline Drive." Produced with a focus on heartfelt songwriting, it reinforced Fortune's roots in traditional country while incorporating subtle inspirational elements.[47][48] In 2015, Hits & Hymns arrived via Gaither Music Group, a 15-track set blending re-recorded Statler Brothers classics with beloved hymns and new material. Collaborations with artists like the Oak Ridge Boys on "Life's Railway to Heaven" and Ben Isaacs on "Elizabeth" gave it a communal feel. The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, No. 1 on the Southern Gospel Albums chart, and No. 6 on the Contemporary Christian Albums chart.[49][50] Fortune's 2017 project Sings the Classics, produced by Ben Isaacs for Gaither Music Group, consisted of 14 covers of timeless hits, such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Unchained Melody," and "Danny's Song." The album paid homage to influential songs from his formative years, delivered with acoustic arrangements and guest features like Ricky Skaggs on "Wake Up Little Susie."[51][52] God & Country, released in 2019 by Gaither Music Group, spanned 14 tracks centered on patriotic and faith-based themes. Highlights included renditions of "The Old Rugged Cross," "Battle Hymn of the Republic/This Land Is Your Land," and "God Bless America," reflecting Fortune's appreciation for American heritage and spiritual conviction. The project, hosted by Bill Gaither, featured Nashville session musicians and emphasized acoustic instrumentation.[53][54] Fortune's most recent solo studio album, Songs of an American Dreamer, came out in June 2025 on Gaither Music Group as a live recording with 14 tracks. It serves as an autobiographical tribute, incorporating family stories, new originals like "Thank God for Mamma and Daddy," and refreshed Statler Brothers staples such as "Elizabeth" and "More Than a Name on a Wall." Hosted by Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, the album chronicles his life from Virginia roots to musical legacy.[23][55]Singles
Jimmy Fortune's solo singles reflect his transition from the Statler Brothers' harmonious country style to a blend of traditional country and Southern Gospel, maintaining stylistic continuity with pre-solo hits like "Elizabeth," which exemplified his emotive tenor delivery in themes of love and loss.[56] His post-2002 releases emphasize faith-based narratives and family values, achieving notable crossover success on Christian and country airplay charts between 2007 and 2025. The title track "I Believe" from his 2004 album of the same name stands out as a powerful faith anthem, drawing from his gospel influences and peaking at #1 on the Southern Gospel charts, where it resonated with audiences through its message of unwavering spiritual conviction. Released amid his growing solo catalog, it highlighted Fortune's ability to bridge country storytelling with inspirational lyrics, contributing to broader airplay in faith-oriented formats.[41] In 2013, "Once and for Always" from his album Lessons marked a return to heartfelt country ballads, underscoring themes of enduring commitment in relationships.[57] This track exemplified his crossover appeal, blending nostalgic country elements with subtle gospel undertones that echoed his Statler Brothers era. Fortune's 2025 single "Thank God for Mamma and Daddy," written and performed by him, pays tribute to parental guidance and family bonds, earning early airplay success on country stations shortly after its May release.[24] As part of the album Songs of an American Dreamer, it continues his tradition of personal, redemptive narratives, reinforcing his position in the Christian/country niche with positive initial reception.[55]| Single Title | Release Year | Peak Chart Position | Thematic Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Believe | 2004 | #1 Southern Gospel | Faith and spiritual belief anthem |
| Once and for Always | 2013 | Enduring love and commitment | |
| Thank God for Mamma and Daddy | 2025 | Early airplay success (Country) | Honoring family and parental influence |