Jimmy Fortune featuring The French Family Band

 Music has always been important in Jimmy’s life, as he first began performing with his father at local square dances back home. At the age of thirteen, he formed his first band – The New Edition – and the Jimmy Fortune story began. As an adult, became known as an artist who could sing anything, ranging from Country and Bluegrass to Rock and Roll. In 1982, Jimmy was hired by The Statler Brothers to fill in for Lew DeWitt until it became a permanent job when Lew was too ill with Crohn’s Disease. To say that he carved out his own place as a Statler would be an understatement. Encouraged to develop his writing talents, Fortune wrote and sang lead on many of their biggest hits. “Elizabeth,” “Too Much On My Heart,” “Forever,” and “More Than A Name On A Wall” are just a few of the Statlers’ hits that feature the Fortune name and voice. He also was part of the group’s award-winning TNN variety series that ran from 1991 to 1998 and played date after date on the road, bringing their legendary sound to thousands each year.

 

After The Statler Brothers retired on October 26, 2002, Jimmy seized the opportunity to launch a solo career to share new music with his fans. From 2002 to 2012 he recorded 4 solo albums until 2015 Jimmy teamed up with the Gaither Music Group and has recorded three successful projects with them. He is also a member of a group called Brothers of the Heart, which also records for Gaither Music Group, with Ben Isaacs, Mike Rogers and Bradley Walker.