A tribute to the Louvin Brothers When Charlie Louvin passed away at 83 in January after a remarkable second act this decade, the curtain dropped on of one of country music’s most overlooked yet influential acts. Charlie and his brother Ira — the hard-drinking yin to Charlie’s mild-mannered yang — were one of country’s best-selling acts in the late-’50s before Nashville turned its back on its roots. Ira died in a car wreck in ’65, and the Louvins’ might’ve forever faded into crate-digger cultdom had not successive generations of rock musicians — the Byrds, Elvis Costello, Uncle Tupelo, Beck and Neko Case among them — fallen for the brothers’ unparalleled close harmony singing and gospel-flavored tales of sin and redemption. Charlie was grateful, and when recently asked what he thought of the annual Country Music Association awards, replied: “The CMA? Stands for Country My Ass.” Featuring David Childers, The Loudermilks, The Parodi Kings, Jim Avett, Bill Noonan, and Jim Garrett. $8, all proceeds benefit Hospice and Palliative Care. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com.
This article appears in Apr 12-18, 2011.
Show was FANTASTIC and had a great crowd, lots of money raised for charity. All organized by the lovely & effervescent Nikki Smith, whom I would gladly stretch out my leg in front of an oncoming train to win her hand & heart…:)my, my, my………….