Song Of The Day #031

Ira Lonnie Loudermilk (1924-1965) and Charlie Elzer Loudermilk (1927- ) were both born in Section, Alabama. Ira played the mandelin and Charlie played the guitar, Ira sang tenor and Charlie sang melody. They followed in the brother duo tradition that had been establish by the Monroe Brothers, the Blue Sky Boys (Bill & Earl Bolick) and the Delmore Brothers. The brothers changed their professional name to Louvin in 1947. They recorded for Apollo, Decca and MGM, but didn't have any big hits until they signed with Capitol in 1952. Primarily marketed as gospel artists, they had to quickly write and play secular songs when they joined The Grand Ol' Opry, because the tobacco company sponsor of the program told them, "You can't sell tobacco with gospel music." Later in their career Ira developed a bad case of alcoholism and the duo broke up in 1963. Both embarked on solo careers, with Charlie by far being the most successful with two top ten hits the first year. Ira was killed in a car wreck in 1965. In 2001, the Louvin brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Three of their albums plus some bonus tracks are available on the 3 CD, 48 track Classic Album Collection which has a list price of only $16.98 or you might try the 30 track The Essential Louvin Brothers 1955-1964: My Baby's Gone.

Today's selection is their 1956 recording of "Cash On The Barrelhead."