Don Everly, American singer-songwriter and guitarist

The Everly Brothers: Pioneers of Harmonious Rock and Country

The Everly Brothers, an iconic American rock duo, were celebrated for their distinctive steel-string acoustic guitar playing and remarkably close harmony singing. This influential pair consisted of Isaac Donald "Don" Everly (born February 1, 1937; died August 21, 2021) and Phillip "Phil" Everly (born January 19, 1939; died January 3, 2014). Their innovative musical style seamlessly blended elements of rock and roll, country, and pop, positioning them as significant pioneers of what would later be recognized as country rock.

Early Roots and Nashville Breakthrough

Don and Phil Everly were immersed in music from an early age, growing up in a household steeped in musical tradition. Their parents, Ike Everly, a highly respected guitarist in the country music scene, and Margaret Everly, a talented vocalist, fostered their children's musical talents. The brothers first captivated audiences on radio programs in the 1940s, performing alongside their parents as "The Everly Family." This early exposure provided them with invaluable stage experience and a deep understanding of country and folk music traditions. While still attending high school, their raw talent and potential quickly caught the attention of prominent Nashville musicians, including the legendary guitarist and producer Chet Atkins. Atkins, recognizing their unique sound and market appeal, became instrumental in promoting the young duo, helping them garner national attention and paving their way into the burgeoning rock and roll landscape.

Chart-Topping Success and Signature Sound

The Everly Brothers began crafting and recording their original music in 1956. Their breakthrough arrived in 1957 with the release of "Bye Bye Love," a song penned by the prolific songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. This track soared to number one on the charts in the spring of 1957, establishing their signature sound. The collaboration with the Bryants proved incredibly fruitful, yielding a string of additional hits through 1958, including classics such as "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," and "Problems." These songs not only showcased their intricate harmonies but also Don's distinctive rhythm guitar work, which became a hallmark of their sound. In 1960, they signed with Warner Bros. Records, a major label, and released "Cathy's Clown." This particular track, notably written by Don and Phil themselves, became their biggest-selling single globally, further cementing their status as songwriting talents in addition to their vocal prowess.

Challenges, Shifting Tides, and Enduring International Appeal

In 1961, the Everly Brothers enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, a commitment that inevitably led to a noticeable reduction in their musical output. While they continued to release hit singles through 1962, with "That's Old Fashioned (That's the Way Love Should Be)" marking their last top-10 hit in the U.S., their peak popularity in their native country began to wane. This decline was influenced by several factors, including long-standing disputes with Wesley Rose, the influential CEO of Acuff-Rose Music, which managed the group's publishing and affairs. Additionally, the evolving tastes in popular music, notably the rise of the British Invasion bands who were themselves heavily influenced by the Everlys, and a growing struggle with substance use during the 1960s, contributed to their reduced presence on American charts. Despite these challenges, the brothers maintained significant popularity internationally, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada, where they continued to release successful singles and undertake highly successful tours throughout the 1960s, demonstrating their global enduring appeal.

By the early 1970s, the brothers began pursuing individual recording projects, leading to their official breakup in 1973. However, their story did not end there. In 1983, Don and Phil famously reunited, resuming periodic performances that delighted fans worldwide until Phil's passing in 2014. Don Everly continued to perform occasionally and passed away seven years later, in 2021.

A Lasting Legacy: Influence and Accolades

The Everly Brothers' profound influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable. Their groundbreaking close-harmony singing and innovative acoustic guitar arrangements left an indelible mark on many of the top acts of the 1960s and beyond. Iconic groups such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, and Simon & Garfunkel have all cited the Everlys as a primary source of inspiration for their own vocal harmonies and musical styles. For instance, John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles were deeply inspired by the Everlys' vocal arrangements, even learning to play many of their early songs. The Beach Boys adopted similar techniques to achieve their layered harmonies, a cornerstone of their sound.

Their enduring impact has been widely recognized with numerous accolades:

Frequently Asked Questions About The Everly Brothers

What made The Everly Brothers' sound unique?
Their sound was unique due to their revolutionary close harmony singing, where their voices intertwined seamlessly, often with one brother singing slightly above or below the other. This was combined with Don Everly's distinctive acoustic guitar rhythm patterns and steel-string sound, creating a blend of rock and roll, country, and pop that was fresh and highly influential.
Who wrote most of The Everly Brothers' early hits?
Many of their early and most successful hits, including "Bye Bye Love," "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," and "Problems," were written by the prolific and legendary songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. They penned dozens of songs for the Everlys, defining much of their early sound.
Why did The Everly Brothers' popularity decline in the U.S. in the 1960s?
Several factors contributed to their decline in U.S. popularity: their enlistment in the Marine Corps Reserve which reduced their touring and recording output, ongoing disputes with their music publisher Wesley Rose, the changing landscape of popular music with the rise of the British Invasion, and personal struggles with drug use. Despite this, they maintained strong popularity in the UK and Canada.
Which famous musicians were influenced by The Everly Brothers?
A vast array of celebrated musicians and groups cited The Everly Brothers as a major influence, including The Beatles (especially John Lennon and Paul McCartney's songwriting and harmonies), The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and countless others who admired their vocal arrangements and pioneering blend of genres.
When were The Everly Brothers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
The Everly Brothers were among the very first artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1986, a testament to their foundational impact on the genre.