Phil Balsley, 85, set the themes on fire with his ability to make music as a member of the now-disbanded The Statler Brothers. He remains one of the best voices in America, and with a powerful baritone, he became a famous country gospel artist.
In a nutshell, Balsley performed music, sold records, won awards, including the Grammys, and became a Hall of Famer. The musician worked with numerous labels such as Columbia, Mercury, Music Box, and Yell. Through these and with The Statler Brothers which lasted from 1964 to 2022, he recorded major hits such as Flowers on the Wall, Do You Know You Are My Sunshine, and Too Much on My Heart.
There is more to Phil but before taking you on the journey to the most amazing facts about him, it may interest you to know that he was a band member with Joe McDorman (1955–1960), Lew DeWitt (1955–1982), Harold Reid (1955–2002), Don Reid (1960–2002), and Jimmy Fortune (1982–2002).
Let Us Journey You Through Phil Balsley’s Early Life, Parents, and Siblings
The Statler Brothers musician was born Philip Elwood Balsley on August 8, 1939, in Virginia. He is currently 85 years old.
He was born to his parents, Henry Elwood and Marjorie Walden Balsley. His father Henry was born in Virginia on 28 December 1908 as one of 7 siblings and he died on 9 January 1988.
On the other hand, Balsley’s mother Marjorie was born July 28, 1919, in Augusta County and died at the age of 97 in May 2017. Prior to her demise, Marjorie was also into music and belonged to the Olivet Presbyterian Church choir for about 75 years.
Looking at Phil Balsley’s other family members, he has 6 siblings – David M. Balsley, Gloria B. Lester, Marvin H. Balsley, Connie B. Doyle, Larry W. Balsley, and Alan S. Balsley.
Balsley grew up with his family in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. It was in the same town that his other The Statler’s members, Reid, Harold, and Lew DeWitt grew up.
Facts About One of the Best Voices in America
1. He Was A Bookkeeper
Balsley’s father was a businessman who had his own sheet metal business. While he was growing up and before he made it big in the music industry, he served as a bookkeeper for the business.
2. The Virginia Native Sang in Church Choir Before Fame
Phil Balsley was a member of the Olivet Presbyterian Church choir where his mother also sang.
By the time he was 16, Balsley had already started his journey to becoming a star in the music in the music industry. Subsequently, he became a part of The Four Star Quartet which would later be called The Kingsmen and later The Statler Brothers. The latter name was derived from a brand of facial tissue.
3. Phil Balsley Was Viewed As The Quiet Statler Brother
The Statlers members were known for different things throughout their careers. Balsley was the baritone and the quiet among them.
Outside of music, his responsibility was to keep records of the band’s business and administrative affairs.
4. He Worked With Johnny Cash
With other members of The Statler Brothers, Balsley in his career from 1964 to 1972 was a part of Johnny Cash’s music singing as an opening act and backup singer. Also, Cash was a major influence in Statlers’ early career.
In fact, Cash discovered and mentored the band while making an appearance at Roanoke. The band wrote and released the song We Got Paid by Cash as a tribute to the renowned artist.
5. His Wife Worked in the Same Church as His Mother and She Died At 73
Phil was married to Wilma Lee Balsley, became parents of three, and lived mostly in Staunton. She was born on July 17, 1941, in Staunton, and she worked as an elder, taught the Nursery Sunday School Class for many years, and was also treasurer and secretary of the Olivet Presbyterian Women at the Olivet Presbyterian Church. This was the same church that Phil’s mother worked in.
Phil Balsley’s wife died at 73 on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Augusta Health, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
6. Phil Balsley’s 49-Year-Old Son Drowned
Barely two years before the demise of Balsley’s wife Wilma, his 49-year-old son, Gregory “Greg” Balsley died. He passed away after drowning in the Atlantic Ocean at Nags Head, North Carolina, on June 20, 2012.
Before his death, Greg was born on April 26, 1963, and was a real estate agent. The Bridgewater College graduate was married and had 4 children – 3 sons, Brannon Balsley, Bryce Balsley, and Tyler Balsley; and a daughter, Krissi Balsley.
7. Phil Balsey’s Children Keep Low Profiles
The musician had three children, including the late aforementioned Greg. The other two children are Mark Balsley and Leah Balsley.
All of them live private lives and away from fame.
See Also: Bill Gaither- Everything To Know About His Bio, Net Worth, Intriguing Facts
8. He Retired From The Statler Brother in 2002 – Let’s See What He’s Up to Ever Since
Phil took a bow subsequent to the disbandment of the group through retirement in 2002.
He then lived with his wife Wilma in a secluded community a little outside Staunton before her demise. He was also frequent at The Statler Brothers’ office, continued singing in a church choir, and is now serving as a governing Elder.
9. He Suffers From Diabetes But is One of the Only 4 Surviving Members of The Statler Brothers
While the members of the band may have enjoyed a lot of fame, fortune, and other good tidings, they have equally endured some tragedies. While Phil suffers from diabetes, Harold Reid, the band’s guitarist suffered from cancer and died from a kidney failure at 80 in 2020.
Also, Don Reids, the lead of the band went through heart surgery.
The founding member of The Statler Brother, Lewis Calvin DeWitt Jr. who was better known as Lew DeWitt fought heart and kidney disease stemming from complications of Chron’s. He later died in 1990.
He later died from complications of Crohn’s disease in 1990. In the same vein, another founding member Harold Reid died of kidney failure at 80 on April 25, 2020.
One other serving member of the band apart from Balsley, Don Reid, and Joe McDorman (who left the band in 1960) is Jimmy Fortune.
10. Phil Balsley Was Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
One of the major turning points in the life of Balsley and other Statler was when they were inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2007 and also the Country Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008.
Their other awards are:
- 3 Academy of Country Music awards in the categories of Top Vocal Group (1972 ), Top Vocal Group (1977), and Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award (2016 )
- They won 9 Country Music Association awards for Vocal Group of the Year (1972 – 1984)
- In 1965 and 1972, Phil Balsley and his band won the 3 Grammy Awards
- The American Music Awards awarded them with Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group from 1979 to 1981
11. The Statler Brothers Changed Country Music’s Genre From A Rural To An Urban Setting
They made history by becoming the first country music group to change the genre’s nostalgia from a rural to an urban background. The Startlers received credit for achieving the milestone.
12. Phil Balsley’s Net worth
The baritone star has an estimated net worth of $1.5 to $5.5 million. He recorded most of his fortune from his over 4 decades of career in the music industry as a member of The Statler Brothers.
According to the book The Statler Brothers–The Random Memories, the Brothers were particular about keeping their money in check–which is an excellent trait. It is certain the Brothers earned good fortune from their long-term music career and show.
With the band, Phil recorded best-seller songs such as:
- Flowers on the Wall (1966)
- Do You Know You Are My Sunshine (1978)
- Elizabeth (1984)
- My Only Love (1985)
- Too Much in My Heart (1982)
