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Charlie Louvin Dies at 83

Ebet Roberts, Getty Images

Charlie Louvin, who, along with his brother Ira, influenced numerous country and rock performers from Dwight Yoakam and Emmylou Harris to Gram Parsons and the Byrds, has died from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 83.

Charlie's wife Betty, to whom he had been married for 61 years, confirmed to Nashville's WSM radio that Charlie passed away at around 1:30 AM on Wednesday (January 26).

In July, Charlie announced he was battling stage 2 pancreatic cancer for which he underwent surgery at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center. On Charlie's official website, his son, Sonny Louvin, reported that while his father had returned home from the hospital on July 30, "the surgery did not go as planned and he [would] begin using alternative methods of treatment going forward."

Born Charlie Elzer Loudermilk in 1927, Charlie grew up in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama, working beside his brother in the cotton mills and fields. The Louvin Brothers' distinct close harmony style developed when the duo began singing together as teenagers. They went from performing at a small radio station in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry where they became Opry members in 1955. Their first big hit, 'When I Stop Dreaming,' reached the Top 10 on the country charts that same year, and the duo toured with Elvis Presley as their opening act. Hits that followed included 'I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby,' 'The Christian Life,' 'You're Running Wild' and 'Knoxville Girl.' The duo disbanded in 1963, with Ira releasing a solo album in 1964. He died a year later in a car crash.

Charlie's solo career also began in 1964, with 'I Don't Love You Anymore' being his first Top 5 hit beyond the Louvin Brothers. Other hits included 'I Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep,' 'Less and Less,' 'Off and On.'

In a 2007 Spinner interview, Charlie acknowledged the influence the Louvins had not only on fellow musicians, but on countless fans.

"I have known several cases where the drinking song ['Kneeling Drunkard's Plea'] -- my brother and I did actually made people quit drinking, or if they were a wife beater they would stop that. I think that most of the songs, like 'The Great Atomic Power,' is more relevant today than it was the '50s when we had the Cold War going on. It's just as truthful today at it was then, or maybe more so."

Charlie released the album, 'The Battles Rage On,' in November 2010.

Download a free mp3 of Charlie Louvin's 'Darling Corey' here, and watch his 'Ira' video -- a tribute to his brother -- below.



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Howeird

Country music at one time was rhythm, Medially, meaning. Now it is noise and someone screaming into a microphone. Usually a guitar and drums, and some
no-talent with a microphone darn near down their throat.

January 17 2012 at 4:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Daniel

This a true loss of pure singing talent! The world is better for having this wonderful singer grace us with his music!

January 26 2011 at 8:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
missshorty1952

rest in the arms of god may god be with your family and friends

January 26 2011 at 7:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lanalhunter78

How awful. I was just readin about him & Ira. We just keep losin em, and for everyone we lose we get 20 new ones who don't even know what Country Music is & couldn't carry the real artists' guitar straps. RIP Charlie, it's another sad sad day for real Country Music.

January 26 2011 at 7:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Garo

The Louvin brothers, while deservedly successful, were a classic example of how some artists' influence has a far greater reach than their own work. I have seen several artists such Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons and the Byrds mentioned - all legitimate devotees of the Louvin Brothers' style. But, I was surprised that I have seen no mention of how they influenced rock and roll and country legends (members of both the rock and roll and country music halls of fame), the Everly Brothers.

January 26 2011 at 7:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jb3e18

Now Betty can quote a Louvin Bros. song for Charlie; "My world has ended, My Baby's Gone." Livin' Lovin' Losin' is a great tribute to the Louvin Bros. RIP Charlie, and go sing those harmonies again with Ira.

January 26 2011 at 7:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
catskill82857

Charley and Ira are singing together again. They sang great harmony and were a great influence on many musicians, including me. R.I.P. Charley, now you and Ira can sing with the Angels.

January 26 2011 at 7:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
newtonmitchell

I'm a great country fan of this era 60'& 70' with the likes of Charlie Lovin, Del Reeves, Jeannie Sheperd, Jack Green & Jennie Seely(sp), Sketter Davis,Hugh X. Lewis, The Great TomPal & the Glazer Bros. List goes on and on. If we could only go back to those days when Country Music was Country Music.
Loved it all... But, One question, I don't see the song "WILL YOU VISIT ME ON SUNDAY" listed in this article. To me that was one of his biggest hits of all time. It is well worth mentioning. Rest in Peace Dear Charlie and thanks for all the happiness and joy you brought to so many fans over your career. Your fan always, Tom Mitchell.

January 26 2011 at 6:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
katydid579

Never heard of him.

January 26 2011 at 6:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dfoster842

Music has lost another treasure. His stories on Country Reunin were some of the best and funny. He could not only sing he knew how to entertain. May GOD comfort your family in this time of great loss. Start practicing those harmonies with Ira.

January 26 2011 at 5:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply