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Phil Everly has sadly died at a hospital in Burbank, California, aged 74. His wife, Patti, told the LA Times that he died from complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Phil Everly was born in Chicago on January 19, 1939 and began singing with his older brother Don on their parents’ country music radio show in 1945. The pair would sign a recording contract with Cadence Records in 1957 and the Everly Brothers would go on to become one of the most successful and influential of the early rock ‘n’ roll acts.

Central to the Everly Brothers’ success was their trademark close harmony singing, which would greatly influence artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Hollies. This influence persists to this day with Norah Jones and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day recently releasing a tribute album to the brothers titled “Foreverly”.

Don and Phil racked up many top 40 hits in the US between 1957 and 1962, including their million-selling debut “Bye Bye Love,” and the chart toppers “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” and “Cathy’s Clown”. The Everly Brothers hold the record for the most Hot 100 singles by any duo in history.

“Bye Bye Love” – The Everly Brothers

“All I Have To Do Is Dream” – The Everly Brothers

Although some of the Everly Brothers’ biggest hits were composed by others, notably the husband and wife team, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, the brothers did co-write some hits, including “Cathy’s Clown”. The excellent “When Will I Be Loved” was a solo composition from Phil.

“When Will I Be Loved” – The Everly Brothers

The hits were harder to come by for the brothers as the 1960s progressed, with only three of the 27 singles released between 1963 and 1970 making the Billboard Hot 100, and none reaching higher than 31. There was a similar story with their albums in this period, with only one of a dozen breaking into Billboard’s Top 200.

Don and Phil began a 10-year estrangment in 1973 after they argued on stage during a concert at Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park in Buena Park, California. Phil threw his guitar down and Don announced to the crowd that the Everly Brothers were finished. Several solo projects followed, including an appearance by Phil in Clint Eastwood’s “Every Which Way But Loose,” and the release of Phil’s solo album “Phil Everly” in 1983. The album featured a duet with Cliff Richard on “She Means Nothing To Me” which became a hit, peaking at number nine on the UK singles chart. Phil and Cliff would be back in the UK singles chart in 1994 when they reached number 14 with their version of “All I Have To Do Is Dream”.

Ten years after the brothers split, they reunited with a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London which yielded a popular live album and video release. The years had been kind, with the brothers sounding just the same as before.

“Walk Right Back” (1083) – The Everly Brothers

The following year the brothers received good reviews for their “EB 84” album, which included the hit single “On the Wings of a Nightingale,” penned by Paul McCartney.

The Everly Brothers were among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that year. Subsequent honours included the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1997), and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2001) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2004).

The Everlys continued to perform on an off for years, including a mid-show set during the Simon & Garfunkel reunion tour in 2004. Phil’s last public performance was at a tribute show for Buddy Holly filmed at the Music Box Theatre, Hollywood in September 2011.

A number of musicians have already paid tribute to Phil Everly:

“So sad to lose Phil Everly. Deepest condolences to his family.” – Carole King

“Rest in peace Phil Everly. You guys brought us a lot of pleasure back in the day.” – Charlie Daniels

“It’s a terrible, terrible loss – for me, for everybody.” – Duane Eddy

I could probably write a book on the music of the fabulous Everly Brothers, but you’ll find echoes of their influence in a lot of our old Queen songs, and perhaps that is the best tribute…

RIP Phil Everly … you were magic. I have tears in my eyes.” – Brian May

“Phil Everly. Thank you for all the Great Memories!!! May you know eternal rest. with Great Love and Affection, your friend~D” – Dion Dimucci

“The Everlys had a huge influence on all kinds of musicians. The high harmonies Phil sang were fluid and so beautiful and always sound effortless in a way that just washes over the listener. He was one of our greats and it’s very sad to lose him.” – Norah Jones

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Everly. The Everly brothers go way back as far as I can remember hearing music. Those harmonies will live on forever.” – Billie Joe Armstrong

“There was nothing like it. It was a combination of their country upbringing and when they became teenagers they fell in love with rock and roll. They sounded like no-one else.” – Albert Lee

“Every close harmony duo recognizes the immense debt they owe to the Everly Brothers. The Everlys were the very best and we all know it. When Gordon and I first got to meet Don and Phil it was act of homage. We had been singing their songs and copying their harmonies from the day we got together. I got to know Phil quite well and he was a man as charming, kind and smart as he was musically brilliant.” – Peter Asher

Phil Everly is survived by his wife Patti, sons Jason and Chris, mother Margaret, brother Don, and two granddaughters.