The Louvin Brothers

Charlie Louvin of the Louvin Brothers died this week, more than 45 years after his sibling Ira. (Charlie is on the left on the cover art above.) The Louvins were a duo for only about 15 years, but that was long enough for them to have a lasting influence on country music.

I first became aware of the Louvins second hand through Gram Parsons, first via his recording of The Christian Life with the Byrds, and then his version of When I Stop Dreaming. Emmylou Harris did a particularly gorgeous rendition on her 1977 LP Luxury Liner.

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The original version of the latter song can be found on this early EP, which combines the brothers’ two earliest hits. When I Stop Dreaming was a top 10 country record in 1955. I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby followed in 1956 and became the Louvins’ only number one hit.

Charlie and Ira had been recording for Capitol for a time before that, but only were allowed to do gospel music. When I Stop Dreaming was their first secular recording. 

When you hear these records, you may note the influence of Bill Monroe. Ira played in Monroe’s band in the 1940s. When Ira died in a 1965 car wreck, Monroe performed at his funeral. The brothers had split up a few years before that, due to Ira’s drinking and foul temper. (See the interview with Charlie here.)

These days, the brothers’ entire recorded legacy is relatively easily available, but I did want to note the passing of this link to a great period in country music and perhaps introduce a few people to this legendary duo through this post.