R.I.P. Charlie Louvin

It was sad to hear the news this morning about the passing of revered country music icon Charlie Louvin, 83.

As one-half of the Louvin Brothers (along with his brother Ira who died in a car crash in 1965), Charlie developed a rich legacy of gospel and traditional music dating back to the 1950s. The Louvin Brothers had a great sense of harmony that shone through in cautionary tales about the dangers of atomic power, Satan, and drinking. Sinners, take heed!

Louvin's influence was far-reaching; his songs inspired countless artists over the years, from Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Gram Parsons, to Jeff Tweedy, Beck, and Jack White. I first learned of his music by way of Uncle Tupelo, who released a cover of the Louvin Brothers' "Great Atomic Power" on their album March 16-20, 1992. Here's a clip of the original, in all its harmony-soaked glory, bringing us full-circle.

Thanks, Charlie!