Don Everly, the last surviving member of the pioneer rock duo Everly Brothers, died Saturday at the age of 84 from unspecified causes.
Everly’s family confirmed the news with a statement to Los Angeles Times: “Don lived according to what he felt in his heart. Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams …
Between 1957 and 1967, the Everly Brothers released a series of 27 top 40 hits, including the # 1 singles “Wake Up Little Susie”, “All I Have to Do is Dream” and “Cathy’s Clown”. They were among the first group of artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Their blend of country / bluegrass vocals in close harmony and rock n ‘roll has had a huge influence on artists such as the Beatles, the Byrds and the most famous, Simon & Garfunkel. When Don was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019, Keith Richards called him “one of the best rhythm guitarists I have ever heard. “
Don’s brother and bandmate, Phil died in January 2014 at the age of 74 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Referring to the duo’s reputation for infighting – in 1973 they broke up in the middle of a concert – around the time of Phil’s death, Don offered a sincere tribute: “Our love was and always will be deeper than any earthly differences we could have had. I loved my brother very much … I always thought that I would be the first to pass.”
In Memoriam: 2021 deaths
In memory of the musicians, actors, producers and others who died in 2021.
