Charlie Louvin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charlie Louvin
Charlie Louvin at Banjo Jim's NYC 2008
Background information
Birth name	Charles Elzer Loudermilk
Born	(1927-07-07)July 7, 1927 Section, Alabama, U.S.
Died	January 26, 2011(2011-01-26) (aged 83) Wartrace, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	Country
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1940s–2000s
Labels	MGM, Capitol, United Artists, First Generation Records, Playback, Watermelon, Tompkins Square, Audiograph

Charles Elzer Loudermilk (born July 7, 1927 – died January 26, 2011), known as Charlie Louvin, was an American country music singer and songwriter. He was famous for being one half of the Louvin Brothers. He was also a member of the famous Grand Ole Opry since 1955.

About Charlie Louvin

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Charlie Louvin was born in Section, Alabama. He was one of seven children. He grew up helping on his family's farm in Henagar. Charlie started singing when he was just eight years old.

As a teenager, Charlie began singing professionally with his brother, Ira. They performed on local radio shows in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The brothers sang traditional and gospel music. They learned their special harmony style from singing in their church choir.

The Louvin Brothers' Journey

Charlie briefly left the music act in 1945. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, the brothers moved to Knoxville. Later, they moved to Memphis. They worked as postal clerks during the day. In the evenings, they performed their music.

Charlie served in the Korean War for a short time. After this, the brothers moved to Birmingham, Alabama. The Louvins were mostly known for gospel music. However, a sponsor told them they needed to add other types of songs. So, they started to include secular (non-religious) music in their shows.

They began performing on the famous Grand Ole Opry in the 1950s. The Grand Ole Opry is a well-known country music show. They became official members in 1955. The Louvin Brothers released many hit songs. One popular song was "When I Stop Dreaming." Over 20 of their songs reached the country music charts. Their beautiful harmonies inspired many later artists. These included Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, and The Byrds.

Charlie's Solo Career

By the 1960s, the Louvin Brothers' popularity started to slow down. Charlie and Ira decided to split up in 1963. In 1965, Ira sadly passed away. Charlie continued to perform music on his own. He made many appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. In his later years, he became a respected figure in country music.

In 2001, the Louvin Brothers were honored. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In the 2000s, Charlie began to build his career again. He released an album of classic songs. It included one new song that was a tribute to his brother Ira. He also released a gospel album. On these albums, Charlie sang with other famous singers. Some of these included George Jones, Jeff Tweedy from Wilco, Alex McManus from Bright Eyes, and Elvis Costello.

Charlie lived in Manchester, Tennessee. He had a Louvin Brothers museum in Nashville. He planned to open another one in Monteagle, Tennessee. Charlie was also a cousin of the songwriter John D. Loudermilk.

Later Years and Final Performances

After surgery for cancer in July 2010, Charlie made a public appearance. This was at Nashville's Americana Music Conference on September 10th. He performed with Emmylou Harris.

Charlie's very last public performance was on RFD-TV's The Marty Stuart Show. He sang "See the Big Man Cry" with his son, Sonny Louvin. Other country music stars like Connie Smith and Marty Stuart also performed. The show aired on January 29, 2011. This was three days after Charlie Louvin passed away. A message at the end of the show said it was his last TV performance.

Charlie Louvin passed away on January 26, 2011. He was 83 years old. He died from health problems after his cancer surgery.

Music Albums and Songs

Albums

Singles