In Close Harmony: The Story of the Louvin Brothers

by Charles K. Wolfe

The authoritative Grove Dictionary of American Music says they are "probably the greatest traditional country duo in history." The music of the Louvin Brother has influenced almost all revered rock-and-roll singers and country singers, from the Everly Brothers to Emmylou Harris.The essence of country music for many aficionados is harmony singing, and country harmony, for most of these, is synonymous with the blended voices of Ira and Charles Louvin.

This book is the first full study of the Louvin Brothers' remarkable career and of their rich, complex music. Based on extensive research, including substantial interviews with Charles, the surviving brother, In Close Harmony provides a detailed portrait of the Louvins and the turbulent country-music world of the 1950s.

Genres: Music, History, Biography, Nonfiction

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Davethorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and lively overview of the legendary and genre defining Louvin Brothers, who started life in Alabama as the Loudermilks. The book is written more as a discographical overview of the 219 recordings the brothers made during their years together (they parted a few years before Ira's untimely death in a car accident), and the author notes it was originally written to accompany the fabulous Bear Family CD box set of their complete recordings. With that in mind, the reader should enjoy the book more as a history of the Louvins evolution using their detailed session notes and Charlie's recollections, with much of their life stories weaved throughout, but not as a detailed biography.

Only having recently discovered these great artists (though I have had and enjoyed their Christmas album for some many years), I've only begun to appreciate how much of a touchstone they were (and are) to so many. I've always loved the old C&W/Bluegrass harmony duos such as the Blue Sky Boys right on through to the Everly Brothers, all of which could either be said influenced or were influenced by the Louvins. This book is a great way to put the Louvins in the proper historical perspective. Charlie's memories are sharp, precise and fascinating to read. Fascinating as well is the history of how these groups got started, how they traveled from town to town, from tent show to tent show, maybe did a 15 minute radio program each day (sometimes as early as 5:00 a.m.!), and sometimes earning little more than $100 per week for all their toils and sacrifice. Even back in the 30s and 40s, they would have had to love their work and had a true calling for music to be able to live such a life.

It's also interesting to learn how the Louvins evolved from a strictly gospel duo to more mainstream, commercial (secular) recordings in their effort to remain current and reach a wider audience. Their successful attempts to become crossover artists can still be seen in recent music history. B.J. Thomas, for example, used to say that when he began having success as a Christian vocalist, following his early heydays in the 60s and 70s, his audiences would boo him if he added a song like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" in his encores.

All in all, a great overview of these seminal recording artists, and one which has encouraged me to find a more detailed biography to learn even more about them and the beautiful music they created and helped to bring to such large and devoted audiences.

[Nick Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent bio. Made me want to read and listen more

[Frank Hoppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the subjects and their lives, not to mention their amazing music, made for riveting subject matter, the late country music historian, Charles Wolfe, managed to tie their lives within a broader continuum of American Country music, with all sorts of unexpected connections to musical genres, regions, events and individuals I would not have expected to find there. If you have an interest in brother duet stylings, classic county music, and southern culture of the 1940s and '50s, this is a book you won't want to pass up. Prepare, as well, to dig deep to get the Bear Family box set of their collected recordings.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography is adapted from the book of liner notes and text accompanying the Bear Family records 10-CD box set from that trend-setting German import label. This fine book makes me want to hear the whole works.
Highly recommended.