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Ira Louvin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ira Lonnie Loudermilk (1924-04-21)April 21, 1924 |
| Origin | Section, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 20, 1965(1965-06-20) (aged 41) Williamsburg, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genres | Country,gospel |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Mandolin |
| Years active | 1940–1965 |
| Labels | MGM,Capitol |
Ira Lonnie Loudermilk (April 21, 1924 – June 20, 1965), known professionally asIra Louvin, was an Americancountry music singer,mandolinist and songwriter. He was a cousin of songwriterJohn D. Loudermilk.
Ira Louvin was born inSection, Alabama, and played together with his brother,Charlie, in theclose harmony tradition asthe Louvin Brothers. They were heavily influenced bythe Delmore Brothers and Monroe Brothers. Ira played mandolin withCharlie Monroe, guitar player of the Monroe Brothers in the early 1940s. The Louvin Brothers' songs were heavily influenced by their Baptist faith and warned against sin.
Ira was notorious for his drinking and short temper. He married four times, his third wife having shot him multiple times in the chest and hand after he allegedly beat her.[1] He died on June 20, 1965, when a drunken driver struck his car inWilliamsburg, Missouri.[2] At the time, a warrant for Louvin's arrest had been issued on a DUI charge.
