Ira Louvin

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Ira Louvin (Ira Lonnie Loudermilk, April 21, 1924 in Section, Alabama - June 20, 1965) is an American country music mandolinist and songwriter. He was a cousin of John D. Loudermilk.

Ira and his brother, Charlie Louvin, played together in the close harmony tradition. They were heavily influenced by the Delmore Brothers and Monroe Brothers. Ira played mandolin with Charlie Monroe, guitar player of the Monroe Brothers in the early 1940s.

In Ira's mind he was a sinner and this was reflected in his behavior and songwriting. Many of his songs were heavily influenced by his Baptist faith and warned of the evils of sin. He lived the sins he sang, he was a notorious drinker. He married four times and his third wife shot him thrice in the back after he attempted strangling her. When drinking and performing he'd smash his mandolin on stage. When not smashing his mandolin he played in a delicate style that was heavily influenced by Bill Monroe.

Elvis Presley was a huge fan of the Louvin Brothers, until an intoxicated Ira called him a "white nigger."

He died on 20 June 1965 in a drunk driving incident. At the time of death he had a warrant for his arrest for a few DUIs.