Everly Brothers

Don (February 1 1937-)and Phil Everly (January 18, 1939-), country-influenced rock and roll performers of the 1950s. The sons of two Kentucky country musicians, The Everly Brothers recorded their first single, "Keep A-Lovin Me" in 1956 under the aegis of [Chet Atkins]?, but did not become successful until 1957 when they began working with songwriting partners Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and the Cadence record label. Working with the Bryants they had a number of hits in the US and the UK, the biggest of which were "Bye Bye Love", "Wake Up, Little Susie" and "Bird Dog". In 1960, when they signed with [Warner Brothers]? their hits continued with "Cathy's Clown". Following the [British Invasion]?, however, the Everlys recorded only sporadically, and usually with more emphasis on the country sound, epitomised by 1968's Roots.

With soft, mainly acoustic guitar backing, sweet close-harmony vocals, non-threatening lyrics, and clean-cut white faces, their commercial success was unimpeded by any perceived threat to society, unlike some other performers of the era, and indirectly helped aid the wider acceptance of rock and roll music.

The brothers still perform regularly as a duo around the world.

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