Born Charles Elzer Loudermilk, he grew up in poverty and worked with Ira – three years his senior – as a field hand in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama.
They 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.
They changed their name to Louvin (they thought Loudermilk was too long).
Ira died in a car crash in 1965, two years after they split up as a duo.
They 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.
They changed their name to Louvin (they thought Loudermilk was too long).
Ira died in a car crash in 1965, two years after they split up as a duo.
