The Everly Brothers were an influential duo of the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for their close harmony singing and distinctive sound that combined elements of country, rock and roll, and pop music. Don and Phil Everly’s vocal blend made them one of the most successful duos in the history of popular music.
Their unique sound and songwriting skills influenced countless artists, including The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Beach Boys. The Everly Brothers recorded many hit songs during their career, making it hard to narrow down their best tracks. However, here are ten of their most memorable songs that showcase their vocal prowess, catchy melodies, and enduring legacy.
1. All I Have to Do Is Dream
“All I Have to Do Is Dream” is a classic song by the Everly Brothers, released in 1958. It is a beautiful and romantic ballad that showcases the duo’s signature vocal harmonies. The song was written by the legendary husband and wife songwriting team, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The lyrics speak of the desire to dream about a loved one and be with them forever. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.
2. Cathy’s Clown
“Cathy’s Clown” is a classic hit song by the Everly Brothers, released in 1960. The song was written by Don Everly and was a huge commercial success, topping the charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The song features a distinctive and catchy melody with a memorable guitar riff and vocal harmonies that have become synonymous with the Everly Brothers’ signature sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been betrayed by his lover and left heartbroken, with the chorus featuring the lines “Don’t want your love anymore, don’t want your kisses, that’s for sure, I die each time I hear this sound, here he comes, that’s Cathy’s clown”.
3. Bye Bye Love
“Bye Bye Love” is a classic song by the Everly Brothers released in 1957. The song was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and is known for its catchy melody and harmonies. It became a huge hit for the Everly Brothers and helped launch their career. The song features a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, as well as the Everly Brothers’ trademark close harmonies. It tells the story of a man who has just been dumped by his girlfriend and is trying to come to terms with the end of the relationship.
4. Wake Up Little Susie
“Wake Up Little Susie” is a 1957 hit song by the Everly Brothers. The song is about a young couple who falls asleep at a movie theater and wakes up late at night, causing them to miss their curfew. The song features the distinctive harmonies of the Everly Brothers and catchy melodies that have made it a timeless classic of the rock and roll era. The lyrics and upbeat rhythm capture the carefree spirit of young love and the thrill of breaking the rules.
5. Let It Be Me
“Let It Be Me” is a classic ballad by the Everly Brothers, originally released in 1960. The song is a beautiful duet between Don and Phil Everly, with their distinct harmonies blending together perfectly. The lyrics describe two people who have found true love and are devoted to each other, pledging to always be there for one another through thick and thin. The melody is simple yet incredibly moving, with a haunting quality that stays with the listener long after the song has ended.
6. When Will I Be Loved
“When Will I Be Loved” is a classic rockabilly song by the Everly Brothers, released in 1960. The song has a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, typical of the early rock and roll era. It features harmonies between Don and Phil Everly that blend together perfectly, creating a distinctive sound that made them one of the most successful duos in music history. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is waiting for her lover to make a commitment to her, and she wonders when she will finally be loved. The song was written by Phil Everly, and it quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
7. Devoted to You
“Devoted to You” is a classic love song by the Everly Brothers, released in 1958. The song, written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, features the signature close harmonies that the Everly Brothers are known for. The lyrics express the dedication and love of a man to his partner, promising to be devoted and faithful to her. The song became a major hit and is now considered one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its popularity has been sustained over the years, with various artists covering the song, including Carly Simon and James Taylor.
8. Bye Bye Love
“Bye Bye Love” is a classic song from the Everly Brothers, released in 1957. It was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who also wrote several other hits for the duo. The song features the signature Everly Brothers harmonies and a catchy, upbeat melody that has made it a timeless classic. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is heartbroken over a lost love and is trying to move on, but finds himself thinking about her all the time. The song was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most recognizable songs of the rock and roll era.
9. Take a Message to Mary
“Take a Message to Mary” is a classic ballad by the Everly Brothers, released in 1959. The song features a beautiful melody, with Don and Phil’s signature vocal harmonies that add depth and emotion to the lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who has lost the love of his life and is trying to find a way to reconnect with her, even if it’s just through a message. The simple yet effective arrangement of guitar and percussion allows the vocals to take center stage, making it a timeless classic in the Everly Brothers’ catalog.
10. Ebony Eyes
“Ebony Eyes” is a romantic ballad by the Everly Brothers, released in 1961. The song tells the story of a man who lost his lover in a plane crash and how he mourns her loss. The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and convey the deep sense of loss that the protagonist feels. The song is accompanied by a gentle melody and the Everly Brothers’ signature harmonies, which add to the emotional impact of the song. “Ebony Eyes” became a hit and remains a favorite among fans of the Everly Brothers to this day.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
