US nation rock pioneer Don Everly, who was the surviving half of the Everly Brothers, has died aged 84 after a profession delighting followers with a string of hits equivalent to ‘Bye Bye Love’ and ‘Wake Up Little Susie’.
His loss of life within the music hub of Nashville, Tennessee was introduced by the Nation Music Corridor of Fame, which referred to as him “one of the most talented and impactful artists in popular music history.” No reason behind loss of life was offered.
Tributes from the music world have been led by Carole King, Roy Orbison Jr and Julian Lennon, who tweeted: “R.I.P. Don Of ‘The Everly Brothers’ who along with his brother Phil, wrote some of the most memorable & classic songs of all time… Thank You for the Music.”
The duo, credited with influencing rock and nation singers for many years, have been among the many inaugural honourees within the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 1986, alongside Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 2001 they have been inducted into its nation counterpart. Don’s brother Phil Everly died in 2014, aged 75.
The duo’s high-pitched, fluid harmonies introduced them a collection of hit ballads and rock tunes. ‘Wake Up Little Susie’ and ‘All I Must Do Is Dream’ each topped the US charts within the 1950s.
Their output dropped off within the 1960s however they nonetheless chalked up favourites equivalent to ‘Cathy’s Clown’ and ‘Crying within the Rain.’
Initially printed in Daybreak, August 23rd, 2021
