Introduction
Unveiling “Guilty”: A Look at The Statler Brothers’ Country Confession
“Guilty,” a song by the beloved American country music group The Statler Brothers, arrived on the scene in July 1983. It wasn’t their first rodeo, though. By then, they were seasoned performers with a loyal fanbase. “Guilty” served as the second single released from their album “Today.”
The song’s origins lie with the songwriting duo of Don Reid and Harold Reid. While not much specific information is available about the song’s inspiration, “Guilty” likely follows a familiar country music theme: regret and the weight of past actions.
“Guilty” achieved a respectable chart position, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This respectable performance continued the Statler Brothers’ long history of success.
Intriguingly, 1983 also saw a changing of the guard within the group. Jimmy Fortune joined The Statler Brothers, replacing Lew DeWitt who departed due to health reasons. While “Guilty” doesn’t feature Fortune on lead vocals, it does represent a bridge between eras for the group.
So, as you listen to “Guilty,” keep in mind its place within The Statler Brothers’ legacy. It’s a classic country song about regret, delivered by a group known for their distinctive harmonies and storytelling.