Charlie Louvin 1927 - 2011

The most influential country singer that most people have never heard of, Charlie Louvin passed away yesterday. Even if you've never heard of The Louvin Brothers, you've heard their music.

Thanks to Buried3030.

Pretty complete obit at CNN.

A tribute album that included tracks by Dolly Parton, James Taylor and Merle Haggard won a Grammy for best country album in 2003. Ex-Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers member Gram Parsons covered the brothers' "Cash on the Barrelhead" in 1973. Parsons' singing partner Emmylou Harris drew early notice as a solo performer with her version of "If I Could Only Win Your Love," and both Wilco forerunner Uncle Tupelo and rockabilly revivalists Southern Culture on the Skids recorded versions of "The Great Atomic Power" in the 1990s.

So long, Charlie. Thanks for the music.