Saturday Song: Dekerivers’ You Tube Videos Honoring Country Singers

Over the years I have made a few You Tube videos honoring a couple of singers who made not only a large mark on country music, but also mean a great deal to me.  Rainy afternoons, and cold nights are perfect for playing around with the possibilities on a computer.  There are more projects underway in my files, and all I need are longer days to get everything accomplished.  As of late I am playing around with video, so who knows!

But now to the heart of this posting.

Today marks two years since Charlie Louvin died from a most aggressive cancer.  In 2011 I posted A Letter From Home about this singer, and one album in particular.

One singer out of Alabama with a desire to do more than pick cotton his whole life.  A woman in Hancock, Wisconsin who liked music and picked up the singer’s album at Tempo or Woolworth’s on a Saturday shopping trip.  A record player that was kept in pristine condition as it brought so much entertainment to the home.  A kid who fell in love with the genre of music that speaks to the central components of life.

They say that singers never die as the music lives on forever.

At the time of Louvin’s death I posted about the chance to not only meet this country legend, but chat with him for several minutes.  It happened in Wisconsin Dells , and he was most gracious.

Charlie Louvin took time to talk with me.  He did not need to.  The fact he did take the time made an impression that lingers.

Using my pen that I had brought along for him to sign my guitar and put “06″ (behind his name), he continued using it to provide autographs for others as they ambled along.  As Louvin did so he continued our line of discussion.  I had asked him about the formative days when he and his brother, Ira, traveled the country.

Charlie Louvin told me how many a week would end for the famous brothers as they made a mad dash from far-flung places to get back to “The Mother Church of Country Music”, the Ryman Auditorium, and their set for the Opry stage.  To be a member of the Opry one had to perform 26 times a year, and was paid $15.00, a far cry from what could be made on the road.  Charlie estimated that an act lost on average over $50,000 per year, but he was proud to be a part of the Opry and never complained.

The You Tube video of Louvin singing Where The Roses Never Fade has received more views than any other one I have uploaded. (21,157)  In the world of videos that is a drop in the ocean, but I know when it comes to these older singers who are harder to locate on You Tube each video makes a difference.

Then there is Bill Anderson!

There are stories to be told about my impressions of him while I was a boy growing up in Hancock, Wisconsin.  I think those should be held for the book, and yes there is one ‘a-coming’.

Meanwhile here is one of the songs that I loved to play on the old record player while growing up.  In this video is a picture of both Anderson and his Hancock fan!

Saturday Song: Charlie Louvin Gospel “In The Sweet Bye And Bye” “I Feel Like Traveling On” “Grave On The Green Hillside” “Where The Roses Never Fade”

This past Monday night James and I had dinner with two retired couples.  One of the couples is planning a trip to Nashville and asked if they should stop at the Grand Ole Opry.

“Should you stop?” I asked with every consonant gaining steam and tempo.

One of the reasons I told them to attend the Opry on this trip is that the older singers that are the touchstones to the formative days of the oldest radio show are slowly passing away.

A few days after that dinner conversation one of the Opry legends, Charlie Louvin, died from pancreatic cancer.

Much has been written and said about Charlie Louvin and his music, the magic that he and his brother Ira made when they wowed audiences with perfect harmony, and the impact Louvin had on contemporary singers of all genres.

However, one of the missing parts of the Louvin story in much of the news coverage this week was the gospel music he recorded. Some of the best recording sessions late in life that Louvin put on tape were the ones when he added a bluegrass touch to songs such as “Where The Roses Never Fade” and in “The Sweet Bye And Bye.”

Since You Tube did not have what I wanted for today’s Saturday Song I made some of my own.  (Four gospel videos, to be precise.) Readers will note that while the music is different for each video here today the images are the same.   That it takes time to produce these videos should be enough reason as to justify why they look the same.  That each song is of a different length but the same number of photos were used meant I needed to adjust duration of spacing between photos.   While it took time, I wanted to honor Charlie Louvin, a singer I really respect.

In the big world of You Tube the sameness of the photos in the videos will be less apparent than for the readers to this blog post.

With that I trust my readers will understand, and just turn up the computer speakers.

Charles Elzer Loudermilk was born in Henagar, Alabama, on July 7 1927. He grew up in poverty and worked with Ira – three years his senior – as a field hand in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama. Avid churchgoers, the boys tried to copy the “shape note” gospel harmony singing they heard in their local Baptist church and were still in their teens when, with Ira learning mandolin and Charlie the guitar, they won a local talent show and started performing together at a small radio station in Chattanooga.

Nothing was ever the same.

The family of Charlie Louvin has opened the country music pioneer’s funeral to the public.

There will be visitation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home in Nashville. The funeral will immediately follow Sunday’s visitation.

Charlie Louvin Tribute-A Dekerivers Production

Thanks Charlie!

I ripped a song from an album in my collection and sat at my computer and made the following You Tube creation.

Letter From Home 1/26/11

As the day started to slow down I put an album on the stereo.  I lounged on the sofa and listened.  It was more a tribute to a singer than the need to relax and kick back in the early evening. 

The warmth of the LP that oozed from the speakers was more pronounced than just because it was vinyl.  Compact discs never can compare to the musical experience of an album.  But there was more to the music that floated around the room than just another album on the turntable.

Decades ago I placed this album on a record player of my youth and watched it spin countless times.  Tonight the words of the songs flooded back, and certain notes struck deep and hard.

That is what music should do.  Transport the listener somewhere else, outside of themself.

The album “Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes” by Charlie Louvin and Melba Montgomery was played because Louvin died early this morning.  He was one of the old standard bearers of a time when singers were really interested in their fans and made it to the top of the charts based on ability as opposed to slick promotional managing.  I deeply respect that.

The album was one that my mom had in her collection, having bought it about 35 years ago.   A couple of years ago I gathered up all her albums and records and brought them home.  They were after all more a connection between mom and myself than anyone else in the family.

The old record player is one I can see in my mind.  It was one of those where the speakers folded onto the top of the player and it all could be carried like a small suitcase.  The player was never just left out but alway cared for.  Mom folded the wires for the speakers in place and tucked it behind the sofa after each use.

This evening as “Don’t Believe Me” played I thought what mom might say to hear it played in surround sound.  The deep sounds, piano chords and guitar licks make the song a country classic.  She would have loved it. 

As the songs spun the LP needed to be flipped and I thought about the memories music allows for. 

One singer out of Alabama with a desire to do more than pick cotton his whole life.  A woman in Hancock, Wisconsin who liked music and picked up the singer’s album at Tempo or Woolworth’s on a Saturday shopping trip.  A record player that was kept in pristine condition as it brought so much entertainment to the home.  A kid who fell in love with the genre of music that speaks to the central components of life.

They say that singers never die as the music lives on forever.

That is certainly true.  In the case of Charlie Louvin and this album the music was very much alive tonight.

Thank you Charlie.

Memories From Wisconsin Dells Of Charlie Louvin, Grand Ole Opry Star And Country Legend, Dead At 83

It is with sadness that I write about the death of Charlie Elzer Loudermilk.

The world knew him as Charlie Louvin.  It was decided early on that Louvin was a better show business name.

When I read  today about Charlie Louvin’s death I wondered where to begin to write a post about this news.  It took me about three seconds to consider how to start this blog entry.

Some memories never fade.

The night Charlie Louvin and I chatted behind a Wisconsin Dells music theatre stands out as if it happened yesterday.  That it took place in 2006 makes the point about the kind of man Louvin was.   

Charlie Louvin took time to talk with me.  He did not need to.  The fact he did take the time made an impression that lingers.

Using my pen that I had brought along for him to sign my guitar and put “06”, he continued using it to provide autographs for others as they ambled along.  As Louvin did so he continued our line of discussion.  I had asked him about the formative days when he and his brother, Ira, traveled the country.

He was 79-years-old at the time and had just released a new CD featuring one song with Elvis Costello. Charlie also did a number of shows with Elvis Presley in the 1950′s.  While standing and chatting he smoked a few cigarettes and seemed to me to be caught up in recollections.  The longer he spoke the more nostalgic he seemed to become.  I do not think he ever got over the death of his brother.

The famed brothers are noted for the harmony and style which featured Charlie on guitar and lead vocals with his brother on mandolin and high tenor harmonies.  Pure magic.

Charlie Louvin told me how many a week would end for the famous brothers as they made a mad dash from far-flung places to get back to “The Mother Church of Country Music”, the Ryman Auditorium and their set for the Opry stage.  To be a member of the Opry one had to perform 26 times a year, and was paid $15.00, a far cry from what could be made on the road.  Charlie estimated that an act lost on average over $50,000 per year, but he was proud to be a part of the Opry and never complained. 

Charlie Louvin was one of those stars with true talent at showmanship, which is far different from just being a solid singer or musician with a great manager.  He and his brother were two of the voices that started during the formative days of the Opry, creating music that still resonates. 

Almost to the end of his life Charlie Louvin was standing tall and proud  on that round circle at center stage at the Opry.

Early this morning Charlie Louvin passed away.  Betty his wife of  61 years, along with their children were at his side.

At the Grand Ole Opry, and in the hearts of classic country music fans world-wide there is sadness at this news today.  But somewhere  above one thing is clear.  Two brothers are again together to make remarkable music.

AUDIO: Charlie Louvin At Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree

By now most are aware that the surgery for pancreatic cancer that Charlie Louvin underwent in late July did not go as planned.  Louvin will seek out alternative therapy this month.  But that is not stalling his plans to live every day.  As such he was on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree in Nashville for a live session. (The Midnite Jamboree is the second longest running radio show.  The famed Grand Ole Opry is Number One.)  With some live songs, and lots of chatting one was able to feel the grit and determination that Louvin is employing to wage his battle with cancer.

Here is the link for the audio broadcast of this show.  Scroll down to the “Listen To The Midnite Jamboree” and look for the show numbered 3316 dated 8/28/10.  You will need to have Real Player to hear this show.  The real player icon at the bottom of the Midnite Jamboree page will allow  you to download this program.  The program is free, and safe for your computer.

Charlie spent the entire show sitting in a chair at the center of the stage.  Among those singing with Charlie were Grand Ole Opry members Jean Shepard, Bill Anderson, Jan Howard and Carol Lee Cooper.  I think all will love Bill Anderson singing “I Think I’ll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself To Sleep.”  Former WSM announcer, and pure class Keith Bilbrey showed up, and was short but memorable in his words.

Normally the Midnight Jamboree lasts a little more than an hour, but this show was special for obvious reasons and lasts for 1:35, and is worth a listen all the way through.  The sound engineer was slightly off at the start, but things get perfect in short order.  I am a bit picky with such things, so perhaps it is just me.

Charlie really wants to keep going and remain active, and that is clear.  But this cancer, and his age, are making this one tough battle.  CP has long been a fan of Charlie Louvin, and my prayers and thoughts are with him every day.

Saturday Song: Charlie Louvin “Precious Jewel”

The surgery for pancreatic cancer that Charlie Louvin underwent in late July did not go as planned.  Louvin will seek out alternative therapy in September.  The road is tough, and all uphill.  No one is pretending otherwise.

But tonight in Nashville  Charlie Louvin will be on the stage and joined  by friends at WSM’s Midnite Jamboree.  Countless admire and respect him, including this blogger in Madison.  The show can be heard on ‘The Air Castle Of The South’, WSM Radio, AM 650 starting at midnight Central Time.   The bitter-sweetness of this show will be felt wherever the airwaves carry the signal.

This week Charlie commented on the Midnite Jamboree.  “The worst thing is when you’re living and looking but can’t participate in anything. So I am doing the Midnite Jamboree this coming Saturday night.  (August 21st) I’ve got a bunch of guys and gals coming to help. I’m not even sure I can sing, but I know how to talk, introduce songs and play records.”

I suspect this Grand Ole Opry star will sing!  There is just too much spirit in this man to stop now.  

Charlie Louvin Pancreatic Cancer Update

CP stands behind Charlie Louvin as he fights  pancreatic cancer.  As such there will be news and updates in the days and weeks to come. 

What many want more than anything is for Louvin to take the stage again, and when that happens CP will blog about it.  For now, more on how Charlie is doing, and how his spirits are seeming to keep him afloat.

Charlie Louvin can remember a time when a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer — or any cancer, really — was a sure death sentence.

The 83-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer said his recent diagnosis was upsetting at first, but he has hopes modern medicine will help him beat cancer — or at least push it off for a while.

“They can do wonders,” Louvin said this week. “And what I need sorely is a miracle, and I believe they’re still around. There’s miracles that happen in this country every day, and I’m wide open for one.” Louvin seems as vital as ever. He has two albums set for release over the next few months, a healthy schedule of live shows booked and an optimist’s sense of the future.

“Charlie’s old school,” said Brett Steele, his manager. “The show must go on. He fought me tooth and nail to postpone all these dates he had in July and August.” Louvin acknowledges momentary dismay, though, when he first found out he might have cancer. He said his blood pressure was too high despite medication and his doctor wanted to conduct tests to find out why. As Louvin said in a phone interview from his home in Wartrace, Tenn., “He figured some of my plumbing had blew up.” An MRI showed a shadow on Louvin’s pancreas, the gland that produces key hormones and digestive enzymes. With his family gathered around him at the hospital, the doctor said Louvin had just six months to live.

“I guarantee that rattled my cage,” Louvin said.

The next day Louvin visited cancer specialists at Vanderbilt University. They confirmed the diagnosis with a needle biopsy, but told Louvin the prognosis was not as grim as he’d been led to believe. He’ll undergo a special operation July 22.

Doctors told him even “if they don’t get it all they still give me five years, and . . . I left there on Cloud Nine,” Louvin said.

He’s been warned that he’ll be in the hospital for six days after the surgery and could be laid up for 30. But he’s so confident in his recuperative abilities that he wants to hit the road in late August again, though Steele prevailed and his next planned show isn’t until Sept. 12 in Bowling Green, Ohio.