The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers were an influential American rock and roll duo, comprising Don Everly and Phil Everly, known for their distinctive harmony singing style and hit songs like Wake Up Little Susie and All I Have to Do is Dream. The brothers' music was shaped by their upbringing in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where they were exposed to bluegrass music, country music, and gospel music by artists such as The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. They began performing on radio stations like WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later on television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand, hosted by Dick Clark. Their unique sound was also influenced by R&B and blues musicians, including Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.

Early Life and Career

The Everly Brothers were born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, to Ike Everly and Margaret Everly, who were also musicians and exposed their sons to music from an early age. The family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, and later to Chicago, Illinois, where the brothers attended Wells High School and began performing on local radio stations like WGN (AM) and WCFL. They were discovered by Cadence Records owner Arch West, who signed them to a recording contract in 1957. The brothers' early career was marked by performances on television shows like The Perry Como Show and The Steve Allen Show, and they also toured with other notable artists, including Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. They were also influenced by folk music artists like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, and jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Music Style and Influences

The Everly Brothers' music style was characterized by their close harmony singing, which was influenced by bluegrass music and country music traditions. They were also influenced by rock and roll pioneers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, as well as R&B and soul music artists like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. Their music often featured acoustic guitar and upright bass, and they were known for their energetic live performances, which included appearances at concert venues like Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl. The brothers' music was also shaped by their experiences growing up in Kentucky and Iowa, and they often incorporated storytelling and narrative elements into their songs, similar to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. They were also influenced by classical music composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and musical theater shows like Oklahoma! and West Side Story.

Discography

The Everly Brothers released many successful albums and singles throughout their career, including The Everly Brothers (1958), Songs Our Daddy Taught Us (1958), and It's Everly Time (1960). Some of their most famous songs include Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have to Do is Dream, and Cathy's Clown, which were all released on Cadence Records and later on Warner Bros. Records. The brothers also released several live albums, including The Everly Brothers Show (1970) and Reunion Concert (1983), which featured performances at venues like The Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden. They collaborated with other notable artists, including Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer, and The Jordanaires, and their music was also featured in films like La Bamba and Stand by Me, and television shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Awards and Legacy

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and they also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. They were named one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine, and their music has been covered by many other artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Simon & Garfunkel. The brothers' influence can be heard in the music of many other artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen, and they continue to be celebrated as one of the most important and influential musical acts of the 20th century. They were also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Personal Lives

The Everly Brothers' personal lives were marked by both success and turmoil. Don Everly and Phil Everly were known to have a close but sometimes tumultuous relationship, and they went through a period of estrangement in the 1970s. The brothers were also known for their substance abuse struggles, and Phil Everly died in 2014 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don Everly continued to perform and record music until his death in 2021, and the brothers' legacy continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, including those in Nashville, Tennessee, New York City, and London, England. They were also friends with other notable musicians, including Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and their music remains popular among fans of rock and roll, country music, and folk music.