I don't usually do the obituary. I didn't do one for Levon Helm and heard it from some readers. I didn't do it for Lou Reed and heard it from one reader a number of times. I was a fan of Levon Helm. I appreciated Lou Reed. But the Everly Brothers...well...we go back.
I'm still not comfortable with this, the words of tribute, but this loss is huge, not just for me and what Phil and Don meant personally, but to the world of music.
From their earliest recordings...one of the first records I owned... to their most recent, it was all incredible. Quality and class. Influential. Impeccable harmony, at least in song.
Phil Everly.
10 comments:
Sal, i am in complete agreement with you about this loss!!! Can one even quantify how many people the world over ,musicians and non , who were completely enthralled by the sound of the Everlys ! Its absolutely overwhelming!! Like so many people , i would dream as a kid that i could sound like them !! I bought every single and to this day when i want to hear perfect effortless harmony , its Don and Phil i go to! How unbelievably sad !!
I began my appreciation for the Everly Bros. when HBO began showing their 1983 reunion show. I became a fan after that. Fortunately, I was able to see them live in the early 90's. I'd like to see a compilation of your EB favorites since you often share some of their lesser-known gems in the weekend mixes. Big loss for music today.
Thanks Sal. I loved Levon and Lou, the latter hit me more than I thought it would. But Phil Everly, this is personal...the Everly Brothers are mother's milk to me, like The Beatles (whom they so heavily influenced), Sam Cooke, Elvis, Sinatra, Otis, Ray, Brian Wilson, Johnny Cash and so few others...of course many of us- fans, musicians, singers feel the same about Phil and Don.
I remember discovering "A Date with the Everly Brothers" in our house when I was a child, I could not stop listening then, I still have not stopped listening. One of the reasons I wanted to sing was because of Phil and Don. Those harmonies bring me to tears sometimes. Not ashamed to say it either. Phil Everly, thank you for the magic.
Foreverly.
You're right, Sal. This one is different. Last night I found myself listening to "Roots" - in its way a fitting and touching epitaph for "Baby Boy Phil".
Iggy
Aw man, I hadn't heard that yet. Very sad. I saw the Everly Brothers one time live, in what is probably my favorite concert memory of all - their (kind of odd, but very cool) middle-of-the-set accompaniment on Simon & Garfunkel's late-2003 tour. Great music. I love what they did.
I got to meet Charlie Louvin a couple of times, and have thought many times about the "handshake of harmony" that was passed from the Louvin Brothers to the Everlys to the Beach Boys/Beatles and onwards.
My favorite Everlys song is "Empty Boxes" - think I'll go take a listen to that now. RIP, Phil.
as much as i love the weekend mixes for today this was more meaningful.
Has there ever been a greater duo in rock/pop history?
@ Dave. No, there hasn't
As a big fan I'm saddened by this. We'll always have their musical legacy to enjoy, for as long as we're on this earth. Unfortunately, as we all know, no one lives forever.
nicely done.
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