Phil Everly, the younger half of the legendary Everly Brothers, has passed away at the age of 74 due to complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The singer's wife, Patti Everly, told the LA Times, “We are absolutely heartbroken. He fought long and hard.”
The Everly Brothers defined a new style and they were renowned for their innovative, close vocal harmonies. Phil and Don Everly released their first hit, "Bye Bye Love," in 1957, and continued to release wildly successful music for years to come. Their influence spanned multiple decades and genres, including an impact on bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
Their career was tumultuous at times -- the brothers would split up onstage in 1973, and then later reunite -- but their popularity and acclaim always remained. Countless musicians cite The Everly Brothers as a primary influence. Recently, Norah Jones and Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong teamed up for an album of Everly Brothers songs, and in 2004, Paul Simon wrote in Rolling Stone:
"The Everly Brothers’ impact exceeds even their fame. They were a big influence on John Lennon and Paul McCartney and, of course, on Simon & Garfunkel. When Artie & I were kids we got our rock & roll chops from the Everlys."
Phil Everly is survived by his mother, Margaret, his brother, Don, his wife, Patti, sons Jason and Chris, and two granddaughters.
Source: LA Times
