The Everly Brothers

The gentle, silken harmonies of the Everly Brothers were one of the musical treasures of the 1950s and a major influence on the music of the 1960s. The duo of Don and Phil Everly drew upon Appalachian folk, bluegrass and country to craft a dreamy, innocent style of rock and roll.  Their father, Ike Everly, was an accomplished guitarist. He and his wife Margaret had their sons performing regularly on their live radio show before they had reached their teens.  With Don taking the melody and Phil harmonizing above him, the Everlys sang with flawless precision. Over the decades, the Everlys’ close-harmony style served to influence the likes of the Beatles, the Hollies, Simon and Garfunkel and the Byrds. The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

All Everly Brothers artifacts are from the collection of Don, Phil and Margaret Everly.

Everly Brothers Promotional Handbill, 1957

”Wake Up Little Susie” was a Number One hit for the Everly Brothers.  View Handbill

Phil and Don Everly Tap Shoes

Made by Hoffert Chicago Theatrical Shoe Co.

Margaret Everly bought these custom tap shoes for her sons with shoe ration stamps during World War II. The brothers took tap lessons at Ideal Dancing School in Chicago.  View Shoes

Phil Everly Report Cards

These report cards are from sixth and seventh grade. Everly scored mostly A’s and B’s both years.  View Report Card

“R-A-D-I-O," c. 1948

Written by Phil Everly

This was Everly’s first attempt at songwriting. He wrote these lyrics while he was home from school with the flu. He was about nine years old.  View Lyrics