Classic Tracks: Bottom of the Bottle ~ Ira Louvin

• Album: Unforgettable Ira Louvin: Capitol Records, ST-2413 (1965)
• Single: Bottom of the Bottle: Capitol Records, (1965)
• Written By: Ira Louvin
• Producer, recording studio and session personnel are unknown

The erratic, troubled Ira Louvin managed to record one solo album (LP) in 1965, but later that year the Louvin Brothers story ended tragically when Ira died in a car crash while touring the Midwest. The Unforgettable Ira Louvin (The Last Recordings of a Great Country Star) is a strong, well-produced album with plenty of duets with his wife, Anne Young. Ira had a habit of putting some of his songwriting credits in Anne's name, though there's little doubt that it was Ira who wrote these tunes. The material, much of it with a honky-tonk edge, is distinctly different than the Louvin Brothers sound we are accustomed to hearing. Ira wrote Bottom of the Bottle for Hank Williams, but hank never recorded it. Many of these songs were originally released as singles, as Ira was taking tentative steps to launch a solo career.

Ira Louvin (4/21/1924 ~ 6/20/1965) Ira, a masterful songwriter, mandolin player and one of the top country musicians of the '50s, teamed up with his brother Charlie Louvin to form the Louvin Brothers. Charlie and Ira's proficiency on guitar and mandolin is remarkable and their plaintive harmony will haunt you forever. Their duo's hits included When I Stop Dreaming, Cash on the Barrel Head and If I Could Only Win Your Love. The Louvin Brothers were famous for their ability to sing many styles of music. During their musical career, the two recorded gospel, folk, hillbilly, and '50s pop songs.

Born in the Appalachian Mountains of Alabama, Ira together with his brother Charlie began his musical career singing gospel songs in church. Despite the family's poverty, the two were encouraged to pursue their musical interests. Ira began playing the mandolin and his brother took up the guitar. The two eventually brought their sound to the airwaves on a small Chattanooga morning radio show. They were influenced by such recording artists as the Blue Sky Boys, the Delmore Brothers and the Monroe Brothers.

In 1951 the Louvin Brothers signed a contract with MGM Records and recorded 12 songs, all of which were only moderate hits. After the contract expired, the two headed back to Memphis, where they played concerts and radio shows. Having previously recorded one single for Apollo Records and a series of sides for Decca, the Louvin's signed with Capitol Records in 1952 and they became famous for their gospel standard The Family Who Prays. Charlie was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War, so the group's career came to a halt. When Charlie returned, the brothers went to Birmingham and sang for the Grand Ole Opry.

Labeled as a gospel artist, the Louvin Brothers broadened their style to include pop and hillbilly music. Their song When I Stop Dreaming became a Top-10 hit as well as I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby (No. 1, 1956), which was their biggest chart song. They recorded eighteen albums while associated with Capitol including, Tragic Songs of Life (T-769: 1956), Family Who Prays (T-1061: 1958), My baby's Gone (T-1385, 1960) and Weapon of Prayer (T-1721, 1962). The two stayed together until 1963 and produced such favorites as Don't Laugh (No. 11, 1957), Plenty of Everything but You (No. 14, 1957) and My Baby's Gone (No. 9, 1958).

Despite the Louvin Brothers' breakup, their influence lived on decades later. Their reputation of versatility and their combination of harmonies influenced rock, gospel and country musicians. Ira was killed in an automobile accident on June 20, 1965 along with his wife while returning from an engagement in Jefferson City, Missouri, when a drunken driver struck his car. Charlie pursued a solo career and lives in Manchester, Tennessee. The Louvin Brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

About Capitol Records: Capitol Records is a major United States-based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but currently operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMI.

~RJB: Country Music Historian, 12/2010. References: Record Research: Country Music Singles 1944 -- 1993; Billboard Magazine; RJB: Original Country Music Chronicles.

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[hunter3826]

@flashbell  great music thank u

[Pickinbuddy]

Fantastic song...



[richrichard1234]

Today being Easter I would like to hear Master of the Universe. Can you add that song? I know it is from the same album.

[gezzluvaduck]

yup i was born 20yrs too bloody late ....absolutely great music

[joeman335td]

Only one correction to your fine research, Ira and his wife were killed near Williamsburg, Missouri on Interstate 70 after an engagement in Kansas City, Missouri, not Jefferson City.

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

Great. Ira was one of the best.

[tickyreal]

DONT LET THE NASTY PEOPLE HERE ON YOUTUBE GET TO YOU..

THEY ARE NOT WORTH IT !!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT MUSIC..!! A GOOD 2011 FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES..ERIK TIELMAN, FLORIDA