Phil Everly, who with his brother Don formed the duo The Everly Brothers passed away today (Jan. 3, 2014) He was 74 and died from complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The duo had dozens of hit songs, and it was their pristine harmonies that influenced a generation of rock artists from The Beatles, Beach Boys and The Byrds. The reason harmonies are so prominent in rock and power pop is because The Everly Brothers did it first.
When people ask me if I liked and listened to any musicians from the early days of Rock and Roll (pre-Beatles era), my list is very small. I’m not a big Elvis fan, but I really liked Del Shannon, Bobby Darin, Jerry Lee Lewis and The Everly Brothers. I had the big box set of hits in my car CD player for years. Their influence is so great even today’s artists pay tribute – The newest duet album from Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) and Norah Jones is Foreverly. So bow your head in thanks and respect for Phil. He’ll never be forgotten.
Even 30 years after the heyday of their fame, they could still kick ass in concert.
Very sad news indeed. Huge influence.