SATAN IS REAL
The iconic 1960 album, “Satan is Real,” was recorded by Country Music Hall of Famers, Ira and Charlie Loudermilk, known popularly as the Louvin Brothers; innovators in gospel and close harmony, the Louvin Brothers’ collaboration was stunted by their 1963 breakup, and permanently ended in 1965 when Ira was killed in a car accident; “Satan is Real” is most recognized in certain quarters for its eccentric album cover, which depicts the singing Louvin Brothers wearing identical white linen suits in a rock quarry, surrounded by flaming tires, and, looming behind them, a fire-red, twelve foot tall plywood Satan; the album is transcendent; on the title track of “Satan is Real,” Ira tells a story with the foreboding message: “We know that Heaven is a real place where joy shall never end. But sinner friend, if you’re here today, Satan is real too. And Hell is a real place. A place of everlasting punishment”; after the story, the Louvin Brothers repeat the song’s angelic chorus; not too long ago, I went with my friend Katelina to see a concert by the still-spry Charlie Louvin; Katelina stopped by the music venue several hours before the show to purchase a ticket; when Katelina left, she noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on the bumper of a pickup truck, smoking a cigarette; without hesitation, she said, “Mr. Louvin?”; the fella looked up and replied, “Yes, ma’m”; Katelina told Charlie Louvin that she had, in her possession, a ticket to see him perform that evening; Charlie Louvin asked her, “Are you bringing your boyfriend?”; she smiled and answered, “No. He lives in Atlanta, and besides, he’s only a part-time lover”; Charlie Louvin then removed his hat, leaned towards Katelina, and said, “Well, ma’m, I’d like to be your lover the other part of the time”; the concert that night was excellent; I enjoyed a locally brewed beer and a bowl of pimento cheese before the show; afterwards, Charlie autographed a photograph of himself with Elvis Presley (who, in 1955, was the opening act for the Louvin Brothers); on July 7th, 2008, Charlie Louvin celebrated his 81st birthday.
Wow! When Charlie Louvin wants to be your part-time lover, there’s only one answer to give.