Charlie and Ira Louvin were possibly one of the most distinctive and important close harmony duos in post-war country music. Based around Ira’s trademark mandolin, and with the almost alchemic blend of their voices, on the face of it completely different, but mystically becoming interchangeable as they felt their way through a song. They provided inspiration to artists who themselves became iconic exponents of pop and rock vocal harmony, like The Everly Brothers and The Byrds.
Beginning as a country gospel duo during the ‘40s, their career was interrupted by service in WWII and the Korean War until they joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. They were told by the Opry to move away from their gospel roots. As a tobacco sponsor put it “You can’t sell tobacco with gospel music” It was this shift towards secular material which brought them their breakthrough successes.
This 16-track LP draws from their output over an 8-year period. It includes all their US country chart entries and more, providing an entertaining showcase for the boys’ talents. The collection gives a great overview of the most successful phase of their career.
Side A
1. WHEN I STOP DREAMING - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1955
2. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU'VE MET MY BABY - The Louvin Brothers (Donald Charles Warden) 1956
3. HOPING THAT YOU'RE HOPING - The Louvin Brothers (Betty Harrison) 1956
4. CASH ON THE BARRELHEAD - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1956
5. YOU'RE RUNNING WILD - The Louvin Brothers (Don Winters, Ray Edenton) 1956
6. DON'T LAUGH - The Louvin Brothers (Rebe Gosdin) 1957
7. PLENTY OF EVERYTHING BUT YOU - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1957
8. MY BABY'S GONE -The Louvin Brothers (Hazel Houser) 1958
Side B
1. IF I COULD ONLY WIN YOUR LOVE - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1958
2. KNOXVILLE GIRL - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1959
3. WHILE YOU'RE CHEATING ON ME - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1959
4. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1959
5. I LOVE YOU BEST OF ALL - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) 1961
6. HOW'S THE WORLD TREATING YOU - The Louvin Brothers (Boudleaux Bryant, Chester Atkins) 1961
7. THE GREAT ATOMIC POWER - The Louvin Brothers (Buddy Bain, Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin) (1962
8. MUST YOU THROW DIRT IN MY FACE - The Louvin Brothers (Bill Anderson) 1962