The Everly Brothers were an American rock duo consisting of brothers Isaac Donald “Don” Everly (February 1, 1937 – August 21, 2021) and Phillip “Phil” Everly (January 19, 1939 – January 3, 2014). They were known for their steel-string acoustic guitar playing and close harmony singing. Their music fused elements of rock and roll, country, and pop, and they are considered to be pioneers of country rock.
The Everly Brothers were born in Brownie, Kentucky, and raised in Central City, Kentucky. They began singing together as children, and appeared on their parents’ radio show, The Everly Family Show, in the 1940s. In 1955, they signed with Cadence Records and released their debut single, “Bye Bye Love.” The song was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and launching the Everly Brothers’ career.
Over the next few years, the Everly Brothers released a string of hits, including “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Bird Dog,” and “Cathy’s Clown.” They also starred in several films, including Wake Up Little Susie (1957) and The Everly Brothers Show (1961).
The Everly Brothers’ popularity began to decline in the mid-1960s, but they continued to record and tour until 1973, when they broke up after a bitter fight on stage. They reunited in 1983 and continued to perform and record together until 2006.
The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and are considered to be one of the most influential groups in popular music history.
Some of the Everly Brothers’ most famous songs include:
- Bye Bye Love
- Wake Up Little Susie
- All I Have to Do Is Dream
- Bird Dog
- Cathy’s Clown
- Cryin’ in the Rain
- Devoted to You
- When Will I Be Loved
- Temptation
- Love Hurts
- Let It Be Me
The Everly Brothers’ music has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Costello. They have also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the films Back to the Future and The Big Lebowski.
The Everly Brothers were one of the most successful and influential groups in popular music history. Their close harmony singing and acoustic guitar playing helped to define the sound of rock and roll in the 1950s and 1960s. Their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.