Wilson Fairchild: “Making Their Own Footprints”
Here’s an excellent interview with Wil Reid of Wilson Fairchild written by Sandi Scurlock, Staff Reporter for The Licking News. We appreciate their permission to republish the article here:
“Making Their Own Footprints” By Sandi Scurlock Reporter for The Licking News April 30, 2026
Several country music stars have called Virginia home. Patsy Cline was the hometown girl of Winchester. The Carter Family lived near Maces Spring. The city of Staunton is home of The Statler Brothers. Second generation country music duo Wilson Fairchild also calls Staunton home.
Wil Reid and cousin Langdon Reid are the sons of Harold Reid and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers. I had the opportunity to interview Wil Reid on February 12, 2026. He talked about the ups, downs and dead ends of the music business. The duo did not make it in the music business riding on the coattails of their famous fathers. They do pay tribute, but also do things their way.
Wil and Langdon Reid did not realize their fathers were famous while they were growing up. Harold and Don Reid made the effort to be dads and helped out as Little League coaches in Staunton. Wil and Langdon were not typical teenagers, however, and as they grew older, they listened to country music of the 1970s. The sixteen- and fourteen-year-olds formed a band with a friend on drums playing classic country music.
They paid their dues to be in the music business. The Statler Brothers had the number one show on TNN for seven years. Wil and Langdon Reid performed there during the “Yesteryear” segment. They signed with a record label in 2003 as Grandstaff. They sang classic country, not the new music; Wil Reid said the label was more interested in how many likes they got on Facebook rather than promoting the band.
Reid said the name Grandstaff came from an old family name. They also wanted something that sounded musical. They decided to change their name, but The Reid Boys sounded like a bluegrass group. Instead, they renamed using their middle names, Wilson Fairchild.
Wil Reid said a star in their crown was opening shows for the late George Jones! They called up a venue where Jones would be performing and said, “We are Wilson Fairchild and want to open for George Jones.” The venue agreed but told them they would not get paid, which was okay with them. The next weekend, Jones was in Pennsylvania. Again, they called the venue and said they would like to open for him. Again, the venue stated they wouldn’t be paid, but it offered a chance for Wilson Fairchild to get their music to an audience. They finally got to meet Jones and opened his shows for several years. They were scheduled to play his final show in November 2013, but he passed away April 26, 2013.
Wil Reid shared that he was thrilled when he got to meet Johnny Cash! He couldn’t speak because, after all, it was the legendary Johnny Cash.
Wilson Fairchild found a record label with Gaither Music Group. They recorded the album “Statler Made” and a Christmas album two years ago. Their latest album, “American Songbook,” will be out in April 2026, and they will have an upcoming television special on RFD, also available on CD and DVD. More information can be found on the Gaither website.
Wilson Fairchild travels all over, performing and singing classic country, gospel, and Statler Brothers’ songs. They want to make sure the music of the Statlers will not be forgotten. Wil Reid said the fans have given it one hundred percent approval. He said he’s been told you can’t see their show and not see the resemblance to the Statler Brothers. Their tour dates, merchandise and other information can be found on their Facebook page and website: WilsonFairchild.com. Wilson Fairchild will be in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at The Sheid at Arkansas State University on April 16, and it’s a free show!
When asked about the music business and advice he would give someone wanting to break into the business, Wil Reid said it’s not as exciting today as it was ten years ago. It’s a tough road, but believe in yourself and what you are doing and never give up because you’re the one who can do it. He said never go after the money; a lot of people want to make money from an artist once they become big.
Thanks so much to Wil Reid for the interview.
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