Charlie Louvin

[John1]

Charlie Louvin has died of pancreatic cancer at age 83. He first was part of the legendary Louvin Brothers with brother Ira in the 1950's, then had a string of solo hits in the 1960's. He appeared on the Grand Oloe Opry regularly for about 50 years. There was a revival of Louvin Brothers songs when Emmylou Harris recorded some in the 1970's. He continued to entertain right up to last month & was still recording in 2010. A great talent in the history of country music.

 

[radioboy]

Here's more on Charlie Louvin:

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?rid=42374637&cat=5c853d2626d62656

 

[ricksegers]

I would like to know how many "country music" radio stations even mentioned it or even had any Charlie Louvin music to play if they knew it?

 

[grandoleopry]

Well I can tell you I sure did on my station in York, Pa.
I fact I hosted a 2 hour tribute show last Saturday
with various artists and musicians who worked with Charlie
and Nashville Broadcaster Keith Bilbrey, plus interviews that
I conducted with Charlie over the years.
There were a few of us that gave Charlie a proper send off .
I'm sure a lot more should have been done.

 

[vchimpanzee]

I was still on NPR after "Car Talk" and "a Prairie Home Companion" played something by him, performed by whoever did the show's music. I couldn't tell if the show had been taped since Louvin died.

 

[scott salvatori]

most urban major market country stations ignored mentioning charlies passing. these stations are geared for the average quarter hour listener at 20 years old or something, who lives in an urban environment, and drives a honda, and has not been country music educated, nor is aware of its vast proud history, and those who perfected the art.

same thing a couple years ago when vern gosdin passed on. vern was one of the great all time vocalists, from the 80's and 90's, yet probably 99% of listeners never heard of him, due to lack of proper playlisting, and roatation. so why would some "zoo crew" ass clown morning show at some urban major market country outlet mention these country heros? besides, some starry eyed goof ball in some hot countrypolitan boy band just twittered that he got a new tatoo, which is a lot more important news to spread to that geared demographic.

 

[TheBigA]

most urban major market country stations ignored mentioning charlies passing.

No surprise. When was his last hit? His last Top 20 was in 1970. His last Top 10 was in 1965. How old are people who would have remembered it? Over 60. They are not in the demo for any popular radio format today. And where are major markets? In the north. How much work did Charlie do in Detroit of Boston? Why should people there know him?

Same with Gosdin. His hits were mainly in the late 70s and 80s. His last Top 5 was 1989. Over 20 years ago. He was replaced by Alan Jackson. Who's gonna fill their shoes. We know who.

This isn't strictly country music. The Box Tops lead singer Alex Chilton died last year and the Top 40 stations didn't play his music in his memory. Maybe the oldies stations, but not the pop stations. Why? His music didn't fit the format anymore. That's why Charlie Louvin didn't get airplay last week. The truth was he didn't get much airplay in his prime. No #1s during his solo career. Only one #1 with his brother in 1956. No one remembers.

Here's the thing about legacy: You have to work at it. That's what Audrey Williams did. When Hank died in 1953, she went to work ensuring her husband's legacy. It worked. She kept his music in the forefront, by having current artists record it, and by forcing her son, Randall, to sing it. How much of that is done today? Not much. Some of these legends become pompous and arrogant and bad mouth current acts, hurting their legacy among the next generation. They come off as bitter old men, instead of the true stars that they are. A few realize the errors of their ways, and try to make up with the new generation. But legacy is something artists have to work at, and it doesn't help with they refuse to recognize their time has passed.

Don Williams was smart. When the hits stopped coming, he withdrew from public eye. His did a few occasional shows, but mainly retired. Even last year, when he was inducted in the Hall of Fame, he didn't show up. He said he was sick, but he really didn't want the publicity. He's happy and content with the music he made and the people he touched. He has no need to force himself on the present.