The Everly Brothers: Family Secrets and Untold Truths Revealed
The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, are considered two of the most iconic figures in rock and roll history, influencing countless musicians with their unique harmonies and timeless hits. However, behind their legendary music career were personal struggles, deep sibling rivalries, and secrets that remained hidden for decades. After years of silence, the Everly family has finally revealed some of these untold truths, shedding light on the brothers’ tumultuous journey.
Life Before Fame: A Musical Foundation
Don and Phil Everly were born into a musical family. Don, born on February 1, 1937, in Brownie, Kentucky, and Phil, born two years later on January 19, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, were raised by parents Ike and Margaret Everly. Ike, a coal miner with a unique thumbpicking guitar style, passed down his skills to his sons. Margaret, with her beautiful voice, also played a pivotal role in their early musical education.
The Everly family moved frequently due to Ike’s work, but music was always a constant. By the early 1940s, they settled in Shenandoah, Iowa, where Ike hosted a local radio show, giving Don and Phil a platform to showcase their talent. It was in Shenandoah that the brothers began to gain local fame for their harmonizing abilities, setting the stage for their future in music.
Rise to Stardom: From Struggles to Success
In 1955, the Everly Brothers moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and then to Nashville, where they immersed themselves in the country music scene. Their early years in Nashville were challenging, and their first recordings with Columbia Records did not gain much traction. However, their persistence paid off in 1957 when they recorded Bye Bye Love, a song that had been rejected by 30 other artists. The song became a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking the start of their rise to fame.
Their subsequent hits, including Wake Up Little Susie and All I Have to Do Is Dream, solidified their place in the music industry. By 1960, the brothers had signed with Warner Brothers Records, and their career reached new heights with songs like Cathy’s Clown, which became one of their signature tracks.
Personal Struggles and Rivalries
Despite their musical success, personal and professional challenges began to take a toll on the brothers. In 1961, Don and Phil enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to avoid being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War era. This caused a temporary interruption to their music careers. Meanwhile, Don’s struggles with drug addiction began to surface, leading to a dramatic and public decline in their career.
In 1973, tensions between the brothers reached a breaking point during a performance at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. In a moment of frustration, Phil smashed his guitar and stormed off stage, marking the public end of their partnership as a duo. This incident was the culmination of years of personal and professional strife, and it signaled the brothers’ separation for over a decade.
The Long-Awaited Comeback
After years of individual struggles, the Everly Brothers reunited in 1983, performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Their reunion was met with great excitement, and their performance was released as a live album, Reunion Concert. The album was well-received, and the brothers began working on new material. Their 1984 album EB 84, which featured a song written by Paul McCartney titled On the Wings of a Nightingale, was another commercial success and marked the brothers’ official comeback.
Despite their musical resurgence, the Everly Brothers continued to face personal challenges. Phil’s health began to decline due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and he stopped performing regularly in 2007. Phil passed away on January 3, 2014, at the age of 74, leaving Don to continue honoring their legacy.
Family Secrets: Personal Battles and Untold Truths
For years, the public was unaware of the deep struggles the brothers faced behind the scenes. Their sibling rivalry, Don’s battle with addiction, and the toll of constant touring and personal pressures were kept largely hidden from the public eye. However, the Everly family has now revealed that these challenges were significant factors in the brothers’ eventual split and the strained relationship that followed.
One of the biggest secrets revealed by the family was the extent of Don’s drug addiction, which affected his personal life and professional career. His struggles with addiction led to a suicide attempt in 1962 and resulted in electroshock therapy, which had little effect on his condition. The brothers’ professional relationship was severely impacted by these issues, but their bond remained strong despite the years of tension.
The Everly Brothers’ Legacy
The Everly Brothers’ influence on music is immeasurable. Their harmonies and innovative sound inspired countless musicians, including Paul McCartney, who frequently acknowledged their impact on his own music. Despite the personal battles they faced, the Everly Brothers left behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Their music, characterized by a unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences, remains a staple of the rock and roll genre. Songs like Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, and Cathy’s Clown continue to resonate with listeners today.
In 1990, the Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their status as pioneers of rock and roll. They also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, further solidifying their place in music history.
Final Years and Reflection
The Everly Brothers’ final tour in 2005 marked the end of an era. Despite facing significant health challenges, the brothers continued to perform and connect with their fans. Their last major studio album, Some Hearts, released in 1988, showcased their ability to adapt to new musical trends while staying true to their signature sound.
Don Everly continued to honor his brother’s legacy after Phil’s death. He performed Bye Bye Love with Paul Simon during Simon’s farewell tour in 2018, marking his final performance. Don Everly passed away on August 21, 2021, at the age of 84, leaving behind a lasting impact on the music industry.
Conclusion
The Everly Brothers’ story is one of triumph, struggle, and resilience. Despite the personal battles they faced, their contributions to music are undeniable. The family’s revelation of their struggles offers a deeper understanding of the challenges these iconic musicians faced behind the scenes. Their legacy continues to live on, reminding us of the power of music to transcend personal hardships and leave a lasting impact on generations to come.
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