Country Legend Charlie Louvin Dead at 83

Country music legend Charlie Louvin died early this morning.  He was 83.

Nashville radio station WSM-AM has confirmed the news after receiving word from his wife, Betty. Louvin died at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning from complications stemming from his bout with pancreatic cancer.

Additionally, Nashville entertainment reporter James Carter confirmed that Louvin died in his home. “His wife confirmed it to WSM radio about 5am," Carter wrote. "He has been suffering various medical problems over the last year… 
UPDATE:  http://www.facebook.com/l/c3e2b;www.opry.com  as soon as they are finalized.

He was born Charles Elzer Loudermilk on July 7,1927, but known professionally as Charlie Louvin,  He is best known as one half of the incredible Louvin Brothers country music singing and songwriting team with his brother Ira.

Louvin began singing professionally with his brother as a teenager on local radio programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The boys sang traditional and gospel music in the harmony style they had learned while performing in their church's choir.

Originally working as gospel artists, the Louvins were convinced by a sponsor that "you can't sell tobacco with gospel music,".  The began adding secular music into their repertoire. They began making appearances on the hugely popular Grand Ole Opry during the 1950s, becoming official members in 1955.  The Louvin Brothers released numerous singles, such as "Little Reasons," with over 20 recordings reaching the country music charts. Their rich harmonies served as an influence to later artists such as Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and The Byrds.

Tragedy struck in 1965,  when a vehicle accident took Ira's life. Charlie continued to perform solo, making numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and in later years acting as an elder statesman for country music. Decades later, with a tight-knit band on hand, Charlie admitted he felt his brother's presence every time he performs on stage. "I've sang with a number of artists, but, I tell ya, there are no other Ira Louvins out there," he said. "I've had some people that was pretty good, and we could sing Louvin songs together. He was a tremendous tenor singer. If I sing a song that's supposed to have harmony come in on the chorus, I unconsciously move to my left a little bit off the mic so the tenor can get in. Ira and I worked on that for 23 years, and you just don't get rid of 23 years very quick." 

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

He was a cousin of songwriter John D. Loudermilk.

Fund-raising Benefit / Auction at the Bell Buckle
 Banquet Hall in Bell Buckle TN Oct. 30, 2010. 
Pictured: Becky Buller(L), Charlie Louvin (C),Valerie Smith (R)

Louvin underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer July 22, 2010. Doctors expected a full recovery, but "the surgery did not go as planned," according to Louvin's son Sonny,  "he began using alternative methods of treatment, going forward."  A fund-raising Benefit and Auction was held Oct. 30, 2010 at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall in Bell Buckle TN.

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Charlie Louvin Interview* from Christian Moriarty on Vimeo.

Country music legend Charlie Louvin discusses his storied career.

*Video credits: Edited by Kevin Steele & Christian Moriarty

Produced by Brett Steele

Hearing of the loss of Charlie Louvin this morning makes me realize just how important he and Ira were to the design and direction of modern country music. I'm talking 1940 thru today. He taught so many of us what real feelings mean to a good country song. He will be missed.  - Herb Pederson