WHEN it comes to names or how artists got them, The Statlers are notable, because they were named after a brand of tissues. Harold and Don Reid were the only brothers in the band – being complemented by Phil Balsey and Lew DeWitt – and none had a link to the name Statler. Dewitt left the band in 1983 (and died in 1990) due to illhealth and was replaced by Jimmy Fortune.

If youre a country fan whose tastes goes back to the country sounds of yesterday, then you will love a nostalgic listen to this double CD. The 50 tracks tie in with their golden anniversary of entertaining and brings together some of their greatest songs. The bands achievements include more than 25 million records sold; three grammys, nine CMA Awards, 48 Music City News Awards, 32 song-writing awards and 20 gold, platinum, double and triple platinum albums, along with more than 500 music honours. The main problem I have, is choosing which tracks to play on this week’s American Connection Show (euvue.co.uk) because there are so many brilliant offerings.