Last night, Charlie Louvin was the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. As many of you know, Charlie had surgery just several weeks ago for pancreatic cancer, and as Charlie himself said last night, the surgery was not successful. So for him to be hosting this show last night was just amazing and what an event it was.
For those who did not see it, Charlie spent the entire show sitting in a chair at the center of the stage. He did sing several songs and sounded pretty good. With the camera a bit far away, it was hard to tell how he looked, but he did take off his hat and mentioned about his lack of hair. Charlie was also very engaging with the guest stars that came out for the show. And, what a group of stars it was. Among those singing were Grand Ole Opry members Jean Shepard, Bill Anderson, Jan Howard and Carol Lee Cooper. Bill Anderson did an absolutely awesome, "I Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself To Sleep." Also performing were Glen Davis, Jennifer O'Brien and many more of his friends. Many of the songs performed were gospel numbers and they seemed to be sung at the request of Charlie, or with the mention on how much they knew Charlie loved this particular song. He did mention that Sonny Osborne was backstage and looking great and he said a special hello to his wife Betty, who was sitting in the first row, although the camera did not show her.
Normally the Midnight Jamboree lasts a little more than an hour. Last night, after 90 minutes, the show was still going strong with more artists to appear. The show really turned into a Charlie Louvin tribute and I think many of those who came to perform, did so to honor Charlie as their friend.
Charlie gave the impression that he really wants to keep going and remain active, even with the upcoming cancer treatments. But, with pancreatic cancer and the fact that the surgery was not successful, the options are limited and I am sure that at his age, it will be tough. Hopefully, he will be strong enough to do the Opry soon. And, speaking of the Opry, and I hate to do it in a bad way, they should also be planning a special show featuring Charlie. He has been a member for over 50 years, and in fact, I do believe he has been a part of the Opry longer than any current member. (Remember that Jimmy Dickens was gone from the Opry for a number of years).
If you missed it, the show will be on WSM next Saturday night at midnight and also the show will be posted on the Ernest Tubb Record Shop website, both in audio form and I think the video of the show will be there also. Usually they get it posted pretty quickly.
Finally, a special thanks to the folks at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, and to owner David McCormick for asking Charlie to host the midnight jamboree and for letting Charlie invite to be on the show whoever he wanted and allowing them to sing and perform. It is shows like this that makes the midnight jamboree special.
Thank you so much. That was a great report, and I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteCharlie came to the Opry with his brother in February 1955. He has remained a member ever since, although technically he has been a member as a single act only since he and Ira broke up, I believe in 1963. But Charlie is several months ahead of Jean Shepard. The Potato left in 1957 and came back as a member in 1975.
And you are absolutely right. There should be tributes.
You have to really give Charlie Louvin credit for getting out in public this soon and fighting this really bad type of cancer head on. Like you said he was very engaging and funny, cracking wisecracks etc. last night. He sounded good when he did sing, and didn't commment a lot on his condition other to say that what was done at Vandy didn't work, but that the doctors said they had other things to try. We all like to think we would be as positive if or when we are stricken with such a cancer like this that there are no good answers for. I think he also said he had fallen recently and had a cast or something on his foot last night, so he has had a rough month or so.
ReplyDeleteYes,the Opry,ought to have a special show for him. With Marty Stuart's Show returning for taping for season 3, I hope Marty,thinks about Charlie, and him first.
ReplyDeleteAll the people who pray,need to put him on the Top,of their Prayer Lists.Thanks for info.
If everyone, w'd drop Marty Stuart,a line at the Opry,in requests of having Charlie, on his show,maybe he w'd. This would be a great documentation of Charlie.
ReplyDelete