A benefit concert has been scheduled for October 30 to help defray medical expenses for Charlie Louvin, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer.
Charlie is, of course, half of the legendary Louvin Brothers who had a string of hits in the the 1950s and early ’60s including When I Stop Dreamin’ I Don’t Believe You Met My Baby, You’re Running Wild and My Baby’s Gone. Though not recorded originally in a purely bluegrass format, many of their classic songs have been covered by bluegrass artists like Alison Krauss, The Osborne Brothers and Rhonda Vincent.
His brother Ira did in an automobile accident in 1965, putting an end to their successful partnership.
Charlie has never stopped performing, but his diagnosis in July of a Stage 2 cancer has throw a curve to the 83 year old music business veteran. A surgical treatment was tried in August, but was unsuccessful. He has been facing mounting bills for his current medical care, which his friends in the bluegrass world mean to address.
The October 30 event will be held at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall about 5o miles south of Nashville, and will be hosted by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike and Charlie himself. There will be music from noon to 9:00 p.m., with an auction running from 2:00 to 5:00.
Valerie Smith is only too pleased to be a part of this special day.
“Charlie Louvin is a significant treasure to American music and a dear friend. His music has brightened the lives of so many of us.
It’s an honor to be able to give something back.”
Also performing will be The Wildwood Valley Boys and Ed Bruce, who wrote Mama’s, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, and played the sheriff on the popular TV program Maverick.
Tickets for the show and auction are only $10. They can be purchased at the Bell Buckle Cafe, or by calling 931-389-0223.
In addition to the Bell Buckle event, Rhonda Vincent will be hosting a silent auction on her web site, with all proceeds also going to Charlie. She has a Martin guitar she has signed, as well as autographed posters and Martha White memorabilia, and an autographed copy of her new CD, Taken to give away.
If you are unable to attend or would simply like to make a direct donation, it can be sent to:
Bell Buckle Banquet Hall
PO Box 142
Bell Buckle, TN 37020
Charlie has a new album of his own, due out November 9, and aptly titled The Battles Rage On. It contains 12 new tracks with guest contributions from Jamie Dailey and Del McCoury.
Picking up a copy would also be a fine way to help him meet his expenses, and pay tribute to an artist whose life’s work has enriched bluegrass music to such a large degree.
