Phillip Everly, born on January 19, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, was a renowned American musician best known as one half of the influential rock and country duo, The Everly Brothers.
Alongside his older brother Don, Phil helped pioneer a harmonious vocal style that blended country roots with rock and roll, shaping the sound of popular music for generations.
Raised in a musical family amid the coal mining towns of Kentucky, Everly’s early life was immersed in folk and country traditions, which would define his career.
He passed away on January 3, 2014, at the age of 74 in Burbank, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in 20th-century music.
Siblings
Phil has an older brother Isaac Donald “Don” Everly, born on February 1, 1937, in Brownie, Kentucky.
The two were the sons of Ike and Margaret Everly, both accomplished folk and country performers who traveled the Midwest performing on radio shows and in small venues.
From childhood, Don and Phil sang together, developing their signature close-harmony style under their parents’ guidance.
Don, who outlived Phil and passed away on August 21, 2021, was not only his collaborator but also a key co-writer on many of their hits.
Career
Everly’s career began in earnest during his childhood, when he and Don joined their parents’ radio performances in Shenandoah, Iowa, starting in 1945 with country music broadcasts.
The family relocated to Nashville in the mid-1950s, where the brothers caught the attention of producer Chet Atkins.
This led to a publishing deal with Acuff-Rose and a recording contract with Cadence Records in 1957.
Their debut single, “Bye Bye Love,” exploded onto the charts, selling over two million copies and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This success marked the start of a string of hits that included “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and “Bird Dog.”
Also Read: Noel Gallagher Siblings: Meet Paul and Liam Gallagher
These songs, often written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, showcased the Everlys’ tight harmonies and innovative guitar work.
Their sound bridged country and rock, influencing artists ranging from The Beatles to Simon & Garfunkel.
By 1960, the duo had moved to Warner Bros. Records and relocated to California.
During this period, they refined their songwriting, with Don contributing “Cathy’s Clown,” their biggest hit, which topped the charts for five weeks.
The Everly Brothers sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Mounting tensions led to a dramatic onstage split in 1973 during a performance in California.
Following the breakup, Phil pursued a solo career, releasing projects including the album Star Spangled Springer.
He also collaborated with artists such as Cliff Richard and Warren Zevon.
The brothers reconciled in 1983 with a celebrated reunion concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This was followed by the album EB 84, which featured a single written by Paul McCartney.
Phil continued performing occasionally, sometimes alongside Don, until health issues limited his later appearances.
His career solidified his place as a foundational figure in rock music history.
Accolades
In 1986, The Everly Brothers were inducted into the inaugural class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
They were inducted alongside artists such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.
The same year, they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
This honor recognized a body of work that produced 35 Top 10 hits, a record that remains unmatched.
In 2001, the duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
This acknowledged their Nashville roots and their role as the first major rock act to emerge from the city.
Additional recognition included multiple gold records for songs such as “Bye Bye Love.”
They were also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
In 2019, Don Everly received an Iconic Riff Award celebrating their distinctive sound.
These accolades underscore Phil Everly’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer whose influence spans genres and generations.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
