Today’s post was written by Paul.
Ira Louvin
For this year’s birthday tribute video for Ira Louvin, I debated between a gospel song and one of Ira’s “cheatin’” love songs. I saved the cheatin’ song for next year.
How was he a master of both types of songs? I think it’s because he had true experience with both sides of life. Like Pap, Ira could take the same 3 major chords that everyone uses and somehow create a melody that wasn’t the tune of any other song.
Within the genre of gospel music, there’s a subgenre described as “invitational” songs. These songs plead with the listener to accept Christ. “O’ Why Not Tonight,” “Softly and Tenderly,” and “Just as I Am” are beautiful examples. The last one in that list is so powerful that during a Billy Graham crusade in the UK back in the 50’s, media critics accused him of using the song to hypnotize people (rather than them coming forward by rational choice). Graham responded that it was not the song nor his preaching but the word of God and the Holy Spirit. To prove it, he gave his altar call for the next 30 nights without music. Just as many people came forward without music. There’s a documentary about this. I cannot remember the name of it, but you can probably find it online.
It’s strange to watch video footage of all those people coming forward on different nights during utter silence. I believe Graham was right about what he said. He didn’t need to prove it, but he did. Still, I believe great invitational songs are needed, not because they fool people or play upon their emotions, but because they can contain elements of the gospel, just as sermons. They can tell the listener things that s/he needs to know and consider.
Though it isn’t well known, “Are You Afraid to Die?” is a masterpiece. This song poses questions to the listener, and the first few questions cut right to the quick.
A couple of years ago, Wayde Powell, II and I were discussing the Louvin Brothers, and in that conversation, I said that I wished fans and critics weren’t so focused on the album Satan is Real. I said that it’s clearly not their best album and that everyone became fixated on it because of the cover art. Wayde asked me what I thought was their best album. I named a few from later in their careers when their singing had gotten even stronger, even more polished. Since that discussion, I’ve had to reconsider the Satan is Real Album, not because I decided that the singing was better but because I looked back over the song list. I hadn’t realized that “Are You Afraid to Die,” “He Can Be Found,” “The River of Jordan,” “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night,” and “Satan’s Jeweled Crown” were all on that album. I then had to admit that it is a truly amazing album.
When they were a lot younger, the Pressley Girls went to go make music with some folks at East Tennessee University. This school has a renowned bluegrass program. Ricky Skaggs was playing there with some of the students. Corie and Katie came home singing “Are You Afraid to Die.” I politely refused to play the song with them because they were playing the bluegrass version which has been changed.
I’ve heard both Skaggs and the Nashville Bluegrass Band do the song in that arrangement, and while they are master musicians and singers, I cannot stomach the changes they made to the original. They slowed the tempo dramatically and changed the chord pattern slightly. I assume they slowed the song to give the listener more time to consider the questions. Maybe If I heard the song that way first, I would have been okay with it.
The only change in the video I’m sharing today was to the lyrics. The original first verse contained “kneel with your mother.” I think that’s reflective of Ira’s personal experience. Pap replaced mother with savior to make it more universal.
When I chose to do the song for this year’s birthday tribute, I had a thought (really more like a fantasy), of how great it would be to sing this song as a total surprise, almost like a musical ambush, at some event like the Oscars. For that to ever happen, one would have to first rise to undeniable secular success in order to be booked as a performer. One would have to let the producers think that a different song was coming. The band would have to be in on it, and someone would probably have to guard the sound system to keep the crew from cutting off the mic, etc. It would have to be a live show, and even then, someone would probably throw up a test pattern on the screen or “technical difficulties.” It could never happen, but it would be such a great opportunity to pose this song to a crowd like that. I think it might even reach some of them.
We didn’t practice this song, but I think it turned out with a good feel. The plan was for Katie and I to sing it as a duet, but Corie showed up and added a beautiful third harmony. Our voices ran together on a couple of notes, but overall, I like the sound. This was the only camera angle to be had in the cramped kitchen, but I like the over-the-shoulder perspective.
Thanks for watching! We’ll do a song for Charlie’s birthday this summer.
Original singles released on Spotify.
Shepherd of My Soul (Album released in 2016).
Paul
I’ve never heard that song, but it’s a good one. I’m thankful I have a relationship with Jesus and because of knowing, accepting and following Him, I’m not afraid to die. Because He Lives, I have the promise of eternal life and God made it so simple for us, Believe, repent, accept, follow and obey. No it’s not always easy, but with God it is possible. God has left us a great instruction book called the Holy Bible. If we read it daily and follow His words, then this life is a whole lot better!
As I have grown older, especially in the last couple years, my conscious thru the Holy Spirit has been reviewing my life. My mother was a very negative person, so don’t ya know…what comes to mind are things I regret doing. Things I can only repent of to God and ask for mercy for not being more diligent in my behavior.
Recently read a quote that reminded negative of something. Martin Luther wrote to the effect,”Satan came and said, ‘You are a sinner and won’t ever get to heaven.’ I reminded him, Jesus died for sinners.” Most folks are afraid of God’s judgment. They see Him as a harsh and vengeful God…forgetting that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
I don’t fear going to bed at night. Death is nothing more than a long sleep until Jesus comes in the clouds to gather His loved ones home.
Well, that was just lovely. I’ve never heard that song before and the three of you did it justice.
When I was young I listened to Country and Western Music, then, with the exception of a few holdouts, that turned into more pop music and it left me cold. I started listening to bluegrass and while I like it okay, the music you and your family play is more to my liking. Especially as my walk with the Lord gets stronger and stronger I love the old time hymns the best of all.
Have a joyful Sunday.
That song is new to me, but it reminded me of one I heard as a child that asked, “What would you give in exchange for your soul?” I don’t know the exact title and I don’t remember who recorded it.
Well done. Beautiful singing. The song sends a powerful message. Thank you, Paul, for always taking the time to explain these songs and I agree, this song really is a masterpiece. I think now more than ever, we need to hear songs like these. Thanks again for sharing and have a blessed Sunday!!
I am glad to answer the question with “No.” But I have my concerns about the approach to it. I sure don’t want to leave a mess, of any kind, for the kids.
I did not know the Billy Graham story and am glad to learn it. Strikes me as characteristic of him, keeping in the forefront always whose he was and who he served and trusting in Him. So do all believers do with varying success.
His voice was so clear and ‘set’ for hitting those higher notes – so well done.
As Lawrence Welk used to say “it was wunnaful wunnaful!! I did enjoy listening to you, Paul, with lovely background singers to boot!!! Things I noticed: Tipper and Deer Hunter’s PURTY new windows and all of Katie’s priceless expressions-she’s a real crackerjack! In the Army, we were told any day is a good day to die, but I swear I’m delighted I’ve got Fire Insurance for eternity- Amen to the Only King of Kings and Only Lord of Lords!
I looked the group and the song up it should be Sego and somehow I wrote see instead of sing.
Thank the Lord I was saved as a teenager and I look forward to seeing Jesus, my husband, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles when I die. What a celebration there will be! Beautiful song Paul! I grew up listening to the Blackwood Brothers, and Hovie Lester and the Statemen Quartets.
I have heard this song, but not often. I have went to the same Baptist country church all of my life along with most of our other members. Generations of our families went before us. We still sing the old time gospel hymns from the Baptist Hymn Book, none of today’s so called gospel music. Just As I Am , Softly And Tenderly are often sung for the invitation songs. I think along with Billy Graham, another great preacher passed away last week, Dr. Charles Stanley. This is just me talking, but another Gospel group, Naomi and the Seagual Brothers (I spelled the last name wrong) would see a song featuring Naomi called “Sorry, I Never knew You”. If that one don’t make you think, nothing else will. We always went to visit and eat dinner with my paternal grandparents at Due West, SC every Sunday after the morning church service and the adults would play and listen to gospel records by the gospel groups of that time in the afternoon.
Amen!!! Thanks for sharing. And, for your dedication to keeping these Gospel songs and writers alive for today’s world.
Beautiful song, beautiful singing. Thank you! I have been unable to get to church for the last few years, so your gospel Sundays are the first in a lineup of my Sunday music online, then I listen to a few favorite preachers online. Bless you!
This song brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful!!
God bless you Paul, I’ve heard of the Billy Graham experience you were talking about, just as many came with out the song, God comfort you over the people and things you love new and old, God bless you and your family, God bless Tipper and her family in Jesus mighty name
I am sure I have heard that one before, but had forgotten it. I don’t think any of the Louvin songs are not good, but some are more memorable than others. I love Gospel music and I am sure you are not old enough to remember, but my first Gospel concert was the Blackwood Brothers…one of the best around. Have a Blessed Sunday.