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| Photo: New York Times: Phil and Don Everly |
In today's New York Times: "Paul Simon, whose song “Graceland” includes vocals by Phil and Don Everly, said in an email on Saturday morning: 'Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. Both voices pristine and soulful. The Everlys were there at the crossroads of country and R&B. They witnessed and were part of the birth of rock and roll.'
'I loved them both,' Mr. Simon wrote. 'Phil was outgoing, gregarious and very funny. Don is quiet and introspective. When Simon and Garfunkel toured with the Everlys in 2003, Art and I would take the opportunity to learn about the roots of rock and roll from these two great historians. It was a pleasure to spend time in their company.'”
Paul McCartney and John Lennon worshipped them, as did Albert Lee, James Burton, the Hollies, Tim Rice, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Brian May (Queen) and rock and roll greats too numerous to mention.
Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong (who along with Nora Jones put out an Everly Brothers' tribute album called "Foreverly" in November, 2013) wrote an essay for the Wall Street Journal about "The Dark Traditions of Phil Everly" and older brother, Don.
I have listened to their music since I was in a bassinet ... literally. My Dad played their records around the house. What a high standard they set. Their harmony was so sweet that children were undisturbed listening to tales of heartache, early death and murder.
From all accounts, Phil Everly was a gentle soul. To think, he is no longer with us ... there are no words, only sadness. It's a day many of us didn't want to come. There is no doubt that his memory and music will live on forever in his family, friends and fans.
Update, Sunday night: Read CBS Sunday Morning's Bill Flanagan's segment on the influence of the Everly Brothers.
You may also enjoy:
The Everly Brothers Sing, Reviews
A Rock 'N' Roll Odyssey
Celebrate The 4th Of July With The Everly Brothers
A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony
A nice tribute, Debra, and end of an era. The Everly Brothers remind me of school dances, and I remember their hit songs. They were pretty cute, too.
ReplyDeleteI love the music of the Everly Brothers- the nice, harmony sounds (haunting harmonies sometimes) of rock and roll. Cathy's Clown and Dream, Dream Dream are personal favorites. I was too young for the late 1950's activities of the brothers but they did have some type of reprise, in the very early 1970s and I think that they had a TV show one season. Reading about them now, it's incredible how much they influenced other musicians- I had no idea...on the C&W side, certainly Steve Wariner, George Strait, and bits of Gene Watson.
ReplyDeleteFurther to my previous, there are some noteworthy influences on FEMALE country /western singers. Tammy Wynette did "I'll Do My Crying in the Rain", Reba McIntyre did "Cathy's Clown". And I remember that when Glen Campbell did "Dream, Dream, Dream", he was accompanied by Bobbie Gentry. Probably now I will go on Youtube and download a bunch of the songs/ convert them into MP3s and then carry them around with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia and Barry for your thoughtful comments.
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