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Personnel: Charlie Louvin (vocals, guitar); Ira Louvin (vocals, tenor guitar, mandolin); Faye Cunningham, The Jordanaires (vocals); George W. McCormick (baritone, guitar); Hank Garland (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Odell Martin, Jimmy Capps (guitar, electric guitar); Ray Edenton (guitar, tenor banjo); Eddie Hill (guitar, fiddle); Paul Yandell, Smiley Wilson (guitar); Harold Bradley (acoustic guitar); Chet Atkins (electric guitar); Don Helms, Jerry Byrd & the String Dusters, Pete Drake (steel guitar); Shot Jackson (dobro); Grandpa Jones (banjo); Paul Buskirk (mandolin); Thomas Lee Jackson Jr., Dale Potter (fiddle); Jimmy Riddle (harmonica); Marvin H. Hughes (piano, organ); Floyd Cramer (piano); Owen Bradley (vibraphone); William Paul Ackerman, Buddy Harman (drums). Audio Mixer: Larry Walsh. Liner Note Author: Charles K. Wolfe. Recording information: Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, TN (12/18/1947-09/12/1963); Castle Studio, Tulane Hotel (12/18/1947-09/12/1963); Columbia Recording Studio, Nashville, TN (12/18/1947-09/12/1963); Music City Recording, Nashville, TN (12/18/1947-09/12/1963); Nashville, TN (12/18/1947-09/12/1963); Sam Phillips Recording Studio, Nashville, TN (12/18/1947-09/12/1963). Illustrators: Charles K. Wolfe; David Freeman ; Manfred Bersebach; Brad Benedict. Photographers: Charles K. Wolfe; David Freeman ; Manfred Bersebach; Brad Benedict. If ever there was an act deserving of a lovingly compiled eight-disc retrospective, the Louvin Brothers are it. In a genre defined by passionate singing, the Louvins are the undisputed masters of two-part harmony. Their repertoire, largely self-penned, is equally impressive: perhaps only Hank Williams Sr. wrote more great country songs during the '50s. And yet, the Louvins' records have frequently been difficult to find. Like many acts of country's classic era, the Louvins were long ago forgotten by the major labels for which they recorded. Now, thankfully, the world has CLOSE HARMONY, which gathers every studio recording the group released. From the duo's earliest gospel efforts through their secular hits to their breakup in the early '60s, CLOSE HARMONY traces the Louvins' career in chronological order. The accompanying 52-page booklet includes many rare photos, a biography authored by country music scholar Charles Wolfe, and thorough notes on each recording session. All told, CLOSE HARMONY is an exemplary collection, a model for any record company considering a similar venture. The set requires a sizable financial commitment, to be sure, but for true fans of great country music, it's a commitment that will be repaid many times over.
