The Country Community Mourns The Loss Of Don Everly

/by

The Everly Brothers. Photo: Ed Caraeff

The weekend brought the sad news of the passing of Don Everly, half of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry members The Everly Brothers. Thoughts and prayers rolled in from all corners of the country music world and beyond upon hearing the news of his passing.

“The Everly Brothers were every bit as popular as Elvis. However, like most rock acts, they were on a small record label,” shared Don McLean. “Cadence Records made a fortune but they were in no way able to compete with RCA which is where Col. Parker put Elvis. I met the Everly Brothers in 1969 and asked them about Buddy Holly. Phil said Buddy took the plane so he could do his laundry. I think Buddy had other laundry to do as well. This started my thinking for ‘American Pie’ which I wrote later. Additionally, Don was a great lead singer and unique rhythm guitar player. Almost all their hits featured his rhythm guitar.”

“Don’s voice along with the incredible sounds of The Everly Brothers was one of the main reasons I decided on a career in music. He and his music truly influenced every singer for generations. Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P,” TG Sheppard said.

“So sad to hear about the passing of Don Everly. The music of the Everly Brothers helped me form my love for entertainment,” comments Lee Greenwood. “First class of inductees to the Rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame, their blend of harmony was special and unique. RIP.”

“The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective… reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories,” Jerry Lee Lewis adds. “There’s a lot I can say about Don, what he and Phil meant to me both as people and as musicians, but I am going to reflect today. God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.”

“The Everlys made a huge impact on all of us singers. Their harmonies were impeccable. They had a huge impact on rock and roll’s early days. Their records are still classic examples of the art of choosing perfect songs that highlighted their talent,” T. Graham Brown says. “Don now joins Phil in rock and roll heaven. Rest in peace, pioneer!”

“I listened to a lot of Nanci Griffith last week and I listened to a bunch of Tom T. Hall songs yesterday… Today I am cranking up some Everly Brothers,” shares Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys. “A lot of folks going home these days… Don joins Phil.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)