I tuned in to the ABC morning news and heard this report Phil Everly has passed away…tears overcome the moment and I reflected back to years of the greatest harmony voices that had thrilled me to the bone in my late teens. The message echoed…Phil dead at the age of 74, a rock and country music legend has died in Burbank, California on January 3, 2014. Oh my how I did not want to hear this…it has darken my day.
Memories of the many outstanding songs the two had sung raced through the moments and stole my attentions. Their voices were pristine harmonies as they harmonized in a way that it was as though the sounds were exact and mixed perfectly as one. They were tops in rock and roll, but their music…like early day rock…and set in a country setting.
They had four No. 1s on the Hot Country Songs Charts because of their country-influenced rock and rollers stance.
Phil’s wife, Patti, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times, that Phil had contracted complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from a lifelong history of a smoking habit.
The Everly Brothers found themselves among the top singers on the charts with a string of timeless hits including, ‘Bye Bye Love,’ ‘Wake Up Little Susie,’ ‘All I Have to do is Dream,’ ‘Bird Dog,’ and ‘Cathy’s Clown.’
‘Bye Bye Love’ has a special place in my heart because as I was leaving home to pursue my working career I sang the song all the way to the train station. It has been like a signature song for me throughout the many years of my life. Yes, the Everly Brothers were fantastic and they would make you sing along with them as they belted out their songs. I can truly say, “I loved them!”
The duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, following their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, which proved their ability to span the line between multiple genres with their music.
Our sympathy goes out to Phil’s wife, Patti, and their immediate family and to his brother, Don, Phil’s mother, Margaret, and other family members and friends.
The funeral service is scheduled as private.
Writer of this article is Barbara Kasey Smith based on ABC News.Com.