About The Song
“My Only Love” was released in November 1984 as the third and final single from The Statler Brothers’ album “Atlanta Blue.” The song was written by Jimmy Fortune and recorded by the American country music group The Statler Brothers. This marked another successful collaboration between Fortune and the group following his previous hit “Elizabeth.”
The song reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in March 1985, becoming one of The Statler Brothers’ four number-one hits. The Statlers earned the number-one spot on the Billboard chart four times, for “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?” in 1978, “Elizabeth” in 1984, and in 1985, “My Only Love” and “Too Much on My Heart.” This achievement demonstrated the group’s continued commercial success during the mid-1980s period.
Jimmy Fortune, who wrote “My Only Love,” was the tenor singer for The Statler Brothers and served as a key songwriter for the group. Fortune had joined the group as a replacement for Lew DeWitt, who departed due to health problems stemming from Crohn’s disease. Grammy-nominated Jimmy Fortune is a country singer and songwriter who was a member of the Statler Brothers, known for his tenor vocals and his hit singles, such as “Elizabeth” and “Thank God for My Memory.”
A music video for “My Only Love” was produced in 1984, directed by Jim Owens. The video featured Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune, Don Reid, and Harold Reid, showcasing the classic lineup of The Statler Brothers during their successful period in the 1980s.
“My Only Love” represented part of The Statler Brothers’ sustained success during the 1980s, when they were at their commercial peak. The group continued to chart on Hot Country Songs until 1990, with Jimmy Fortune’s songwriting contributions playing a significant role in their continued relevance. Fortune spent 21 years touring, singing, and performing with the Statler Brothers before the group disbanded in 2002.
The Statler Brothers are recognized as the most award-winning act in the history of country music. Between 1965 and 1990, the Staunton, Virginia group had sixty-six records on the Billboard Country charts, with thirty-three making the Top 10 and four reaching number one. “My Only Love” stands as one of their signature hits from their successful collaboration with Jimmy Fortune as both performer and songwriter.
Video
Lyric
You and I were meant for one another
Today we join our hearts eternally
And this moment I’ll always remember
All the words that mean so much to meAnd you’re my only love, my only love
And I just thank the Lord above for you each day
I can’t believe the way I feel
You’re so special, you’re so real
And I know you’ll always be my only loveListen closely to the words I’m saying
I know I’ve never meant them more
For your love only I’ve been praying
You and I are what this love is forAnd you’re my only love, my only love
And I just thank the Lord above for you each day
I can’t believe the way I feel
You’re so special, you’re so real
And I know you’ll always be my only love(Instrumental break)
And you’re my only love, my only love
And I just thank the Lord above for you each day
I can’t believe the way I feel
You’re so special, you’re so real
And I know you’ll always be my only love