For Charlie Louvin

Charlie Louvin, one of country music's living legends, is at present fighting pancreatic cancer. Many of the songs recorded by him and his brother Ira in the 1950s and 1960s have passed into the repertoire of bluegrass artists. As a result, the bluegrass community is taking a big hand in supporting him at this critical time. Details of the concerts and other activities in Charlie's benefit can be read here. See also this item on the original Bluegrass Blog. A leading role is being taken by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike; many Irish fans will remember them as topping the bill at an Athy festival some years ago.

Charlie Louvin, like his near contemporary Dr Ralph Stanley, has never stopped performing and recording, and a new CD by him is due for release next month. The photo on the left, taken a couple of years ago in New York, shows him with Vincent Cross, a notable member of the Irish bluegrass diaspora.