Phil Everly, American singer and guitarist (b. 1939)

The Everly Brothers, an iconic American rock duo, left an indelible mark on music history with their distinctive steel-string acoustic guitar playing and unparalleled close harmony singing. Comprising brothers Isaac Donald "Don" Everly (February 1, 1937 – August 21, 2021) and Phillip "Phil" Everly (January 19, 1939 – January 3, 2014), their groundbreaking sound masterfully blended elements of rock and roll, country, and pop music. This fusion not only defined their career but also positioned them as true pioneers of the country rock genre.

Early Beginnings and Musical Roots

The Everly Brothers' journey into music began at an exceptionally young age, deeply rooted in their musical family. Raised in the heart of the American South, Don and Phil were performing alongside their father, Ike Everly, a highly respected guitarist, and their mother, Margaret Everly, as "The Everly Family." Their early appearances on radio in the 1940s showcased their natural talent and laid the foundation for their future success. Even while still attending high school, their remarkable vocal blend and instrumental prowess caught the attention of influential figures in the Nashville music scene. Among these was the legendary guitarist and producer Chet Atkins, a pivotal architect of the "Nashville Sound," who recognized their immense potential and began actively promoting them for national recognition.

The Ascent to Stardom and Chart-Topping Hits

Their professional recording career commenced in 1956, and it wasn't long before they achieved their breakthrough. In 1957, "Bye Bye Love," a song penned by the prolific songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, catapulted them to fame. This infectious track soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart and also achieved significant success on the Pop and R&B charts, establishing the Everly Brothers as a formidable force in popular music. The collaboration with the Bryants proved incredibly fruitful, yielding a string of additional hits throughout 1958, including the timeless classics "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," and "Problems." These songs became synonymous with their unique vocal style and catchy melodies.

In 1960, the duo signed with Warner Bros. Records, a major label, a move that ushered in a new phase of their career. Their first release with the label, "Cathy's Clown," was particularly significant as it was co-written by Don and Phil themselves. This self-penned masterpiece became their biggest-selling single globally, topping the charts in both the U.S. and the U.K., further cementing their international appeal. Despite their burgeoning career, the brothers enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1961, which inevitably led to a temporary reduction in their musical output. Nevertheless, 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. before a shift in their career trajectory.

Challenges, International Success, and Eventual Separation

The mid-1960s brought a period of significant challenges for the Everly Brothers. Long-standing disputes with Wesley Rose, the powerful CEO of Acuff-Rose Music, which managed their publishing and careers, created considerable strain. These professional difficulties, coupled with increasing personal struggles related to drug usage and the rapidly evolving landscape of popular music (dominated by the British Invasion and the emergence of psychedelic rock), contributed to a decline in their mainstream popularity in their native U.S. However, their timeless sound continued to resonate powerfully abroad. The brothers enjoyed sustained success with hit singles and highly successful tours throughout the 1960s in the U.K. and Canada, demonstrating their enduring global appeal.

By the early 1970s, the pressures mounted, leading the brothers to explore individual musical paths through solo recordings. The tension culminated in their official breakup in 1973, famously occurring live on stage during a performance in Buena Park, California.

Reunion, Enduring Influence, and Lasting Legacy

A decade after their split, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase, Don and Phil Everly reconciled and reunited in 1983 with a highly anticipated concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which proved to be a resounding success. They continued to perform periodically, captivating audiences with their harmonious blend, until Phil Everly's passing in 2014. Don Everly followed seven years later, in 2021, bringing an end to one of music's most iconic partnerships.

The Everly Brothers' impact on subsequent generations of musicians is immeasurable. Their innovative close-harmony singing and precise acoustic guitar playing served as a fundamental blueprint for countless artists. Many of the most celebrated acts of the 1960s openly cited the Everlys as a primary influence, including:

• The Beatles, whose early vocal harmonies were directly inspired by Don and Phil.
• The Beach Boys, known for their intricate vocal arrangements, drew heavily from the Everlys' harmonic precision.
• The Bee Gees, who mirrored their brotherly vocal blend.
• Simon & Garfunkel, masters of folk-rock harmony, acknowledged their profound debt to the duo.

Their groundbreaking contributions have been widely recognized with numerous prestigious accolades:

• In 2015, Rolling Stone magazine honored them by ranking The Everly Brothers at No. 1 on its esteemed list of the "20 Greatest Duos of All Time."
• They were part of the inaugural class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, a testament to their foundational role in the genre.
• Their significant influence on country music was recognized with their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
• Don Everly received individual recognition in 2019, being inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. He notably earned the organization's first "Iconic Riff Award" for his distinctive and instantly recognizable rhythm guitar introduction to the 1957 hit "Wake Up Little Susie."

Frequently Asked Questions about The Everly Brothers

Who were The Everly Brothers?

The Everly Brothers were an American rock and roll duo composed of brothers Don and Phil Everly, renowned for their distinctive close harmony singing and acoustic guitar playing, pioneering the country rock sound.

What made The Everly Brothers' sound unique?

Their sound was unique due to the seamless blend of their high-pitched, close harmonies, often described as "brother harmony," combined with intricate acoustic guitar arrangements and a fusion of rock, country, and pop elements.

What were some of The Everly Brothers' biggest hits?

Their biggest hits include "Bye Bye Love," "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," and their self-penned biggest seller, "Cathy's Clown."

Which famous musicians were influenced by The Everly Brothers?

Many iconic groups of the 1960s were heavily influenced by their harmonies and guitar work, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, and Simon & Garfunkel.

When were The Everly Brothers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1986.

When did The Everly Brothers break up and reunite?

They officially broke up in 1973 but reunited in 1983 and continued to perform periodically until Phil Everly's death in 2014.