Louvin Brothers Biography
Louvin Brothers
- Real name: Ira Lonnie Loudermilk, Charlie Elzer Loudermilk
- Artist name(s): Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin
Louvin Brothers Biography
Charlie Louvin and Ira Louvin, the Louvin Brothers were an American roots music brother duo. They were born Ira Lonnie Loudermilk on April 21, 1924 and Charlie Elzer Loudermilk, born on July 7, 1927 in Section, Alabama. They changed their names to Louvin when they began their musical career. They are best known for having popularised close harmony, a kind of country music. The Louvin Brothers' career began in gospel music in the 1940s.Their first foray into secular music was the minor hit "The Get Acquainted Waltz" (recorded with Chet Atkins). Other hits included "Cash on the Barrelhead" and "When I Stop Dreaming". They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and stayed there until breaking up in 1963. Ira Louvin was killed in a car accident on June 20, 1965. His brother pursued a solo career. Country-rock pioneers The Byrds recorded the Louvin-penned "The Christian Life" for their seminal 1968 release Sweetheart of the Rodeo.