Country Music has lost yet another one. Don Everly of the Everly Brothers passed away over the weekend at the age of 84. The other half of the duo, his brother Phillip, passed away in 2014.
The Everly Brothers got their start back in the 1950’s with crossover hits such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” and “All I Have to Do is Dream” that topped or were near the top of both the country charts and the pop charts. They spent the 60’s and 70’s on the pop charts before returning to the country charts with moderate success in the 1980’s. There was a break in their career in the early 1960’s when they both joined the Marine Corps, and again from 1973-1983 when they each pursued solo careers. While their career tailed off in the United States after initial success, they were still big in England for many years.
They are widely regarded as inspirations for many harmonic groups to follow over the years, and have racked up numerous honors. Rolling Stone named them the #1 Duo of all time in 2015 (and 33rd ranked artist of all time). They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1986 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1997, they were given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They were inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Don was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019. Only Hall & Oates have more hit singles as a duo on the Pop charts. They leave behind quite a legacy.
Here is what some of his peers are saying of his loss:
- David Frizzell – Sometime back I was presenting Don with a special Buddy Holly guitar for The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. I was able to show Don the photo of him, his brother Phil and my brother Lefty and he said, “I remember taking the photo but never seen it. We are huge Lefty fans!” Say Hello to your brother, my brother, and Heaven. God Bless The Everly’s!
- Don McLean – The Everly Brothers were every bit as popular as Elvis. However, like most rock acts, they were on a small record label. Cadence Records made a fortune but they were in no way able to compete with RCA which is where Col. Parker put Elvis. I met the Everly Brothers in 1969 and asked them about Buddy Holly. Phil said Buddy took the plane so he could do his laundry. I think Buddy had other laundry to do as well. This started my thinking for ‘American Pie’ which I wrote later. Additionally, Don was a great lead singer and unique rhythm guitar player. Almost all their hits featured his rhythm guitar.
- Duane Allen (The Oak Ridge Boys) – THIS WEEK, WE LOST ANOTHER ICON OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, DON EVERLY. DON AND PHIL EVERLY’S UNIQUE TWO-PART HARMONIES MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHICH VOICE WAS SINGING LEAD. EACH PART WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT. REST IN PEACE, DON, WITH YOUR BROTHER, PHIL. AND, THANK YOU, FROM THOSE OF US WHO LOVE HARMONY SINGING.
- J.D. Shelburne – I am saddened by the passing of Don Everly… one of the smoothest voices to ever come from the Bluegrass state! The harmony of the Everly Brothers was so iconic growing up. I’ll never forget one of the greatest duos in history that hails from my home state.
- Janie Fricke – The sounds and images of the Everly Brothers have been greatly loved by most all Americans during that era of music, and special memories of them remain fresh in my mind. Their talent has been engraved across the world; many prayers for Don Everly’s family and loved ones.
- Jerry Lee Lewis – The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective… reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories. There’s a lot I can say about Don, what he and Phil meant to me both as people and as musicians, but I am going to reflect today. God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.
- Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) – I listened to a lot of Nanci Griffith last week and I listened to a bunch of Tom T. Hall songs yesterday… Today I am cranking up some Everly Brothers… A lot of folks going home these days… Don joins Phil… BYE BYE LOVE!
- Lee Greenwood – So sad to hear about the passing of Don Everly. The music of the Everly Brothers helped me form my love for entertainment. First class of inductees to the Rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame, their blend of harmony was special and unique. RIP.
- T. Graham Brown – The Everlys made a huge impact on all of us singers. Their harmonies were impeccable. They had a huge impact on rock and roll’s early days. Their records are still classic examples of the art of choosing perfect songs that highlighted their talent. Don now joins Phil in rock and roll heaven. Rest in peace, pioneer!
- T.G. Sheppard – Don’s voice along with the incredible sounds of The Everly Brothers was one of the main reasons I decided on a career in music. He and his music truly influenced every singer for generations. Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P.