Simply put, Alabama natives Ira and Charlie Louvin are country music pioneers, Baptist blood brothers known for their trademark close harmony vocal style, mandolin magic, and emotive material ranging from spiritual standards, well-crafted covers to influential originals. The Louvin Brothers’ holy, honest, and soul affirming sound—recorded on a series of formative releases on the Decca label in the early 1940’s—tapped deep into the pair’s rural religious upbringing in a strictly gospel fashion. By the time they signed with Capitol Records in 1952, they were tried and tested road warriors and found themselves branching out into more secular content and delivery. In 1955, the duo was accepted as performers into Nashville country institution the Grand Ole Opry, cementing their reputation as the best in the business.
But there was also a dark underside to the chart-topping hit maker’s righteous exterior. Older brother Ira, a foot taller than the diminutive yet no less formidable Charlie, had developed a serious drinking problem. Amplified by a feisty temper and a series of failed marriages, his wild child nature became more of a liability than asset to the show business pair. In 1963, Charlie had enough, and with self-preservation in mind, quit the Louvin Brothers. Though both soldiered on as solo acts, Ira succumbed to his fiery demons in 1965 and lost his life in a horrific drunk driving accident (ironically, the fault of the driver of the other car). Pushing ahead as a much loved and respected country music ambassador and proud gatekeeper of the Louvin’s legacy until his passing in early 2011, we are still grieving Charlie’s departure. Light In The Attic Records is honored to help share this American institution with fans young and old through a series of archival re-releases.
A star studded curatorial compilation, Handpicked Songs 1955-1962 (LITA 074, LP) is a shot of Louvin Brothers magic. This LP features 14 tracks performed by the Louvin Brothers during their golden era, each personally selected by the likes of Beck, Emmylou Harris, Will Oldham, Kris Kristofferson, Jim James, Dolly Parton and many more, all housed in a deluxe Stoughton gatefold sleeve plus a full color insert with period archival photos, and extensive liner notes along with meticulously re-mastered audio from the original tapes. Morning, noon or night, let the Louvin Brothers take you to a simpler time, when good old country music ruled the airwaves.
