Guide Note:
The Louvin Brothers (Ira and Charlie) were a country singing and songwriting duo. Performing together since their early teen years, the Louvin Brothers developed into one of the most successful duos in country music history, with their songs influencing numerous generations of country, folk and even rock musicians.
Influenced by the close harmony style of singing, they began performing gospel music together in their teens. Also influenced by their Baptist Christian faith, their songs ranged from songs that warned of the evils of sin, such as "Satan is Real," to romantic ballads like the often-performed "When I Stop Dreaming."
Personality conflicts eventually caused the brothers to stop performing together in 1963, though both went on to perform separately. Ira, a legendary alcoholic, was ironically killed by a drunk driver in 1965, while Charlie continues performing to this day, and runs a museum dedicated to the Louvin Brothers.
Fast Facts:
- Years active: 1949-1963
- First album: Tragic Songs of Life (1956)
- Hometown: Section,Alabama
- Real names: Ira Lonnie Loudermilk and Charlie Elzer Loudermilk
- Cousins of fellow songwriter John D. Loudermilk
- Artists influenced by the Louvins: The Everly Brothers, The Byrds, Emmylou Harris, Uncle Tupelo
- Artists who influenced the Louvins: Bill Monroe, The Delmore Brothers
- Their career was interrupted twice while Charlie served in both WWII and the Korean War
- Their most successful recordings were made for Capitol Records from 1952-1957
- Discography
