Close Harmony is one of the most distinctive sounds in Traditional
Country. The term refers to the keening two (occasionally three) part harmonies that acts like the
Louvin Brothers and the
Delmore Brothers popularized. The sound of Close Harmony grew out of the high, lonesome sound of
bluegrass, yet most Close Harmony were closer to Traditional Country than not bluegrass. During the late '40s and early '50s, Close Harmony acts became quite popular, thanks to a string of brother acts, who all sang in the style of Close Harmony. The Louvin Brothers, perhaps the definitive Close Harmony group, became popular at the tail-end of the Close Harmony era. Their
popularity was impeded by the emergence of
rock & roll, which cut the country audience dramatically. Ironically, Close Harmony acts in general and the Louvins in particular were an
influence on the
harmony style of
the Everly Brothers, who happened to write the template for rock & roll harmonies with their late '50s singles. The Everlys influence was as apparent in
the Beatles as
the Louvins were in
the Everlys, and that is just one testament to the
depth and
influence of Close Harmony.
Published before on allmusic.com. Placed with permission.