I always see the Everly brothers as something of a cautionary tale for the world of popular music.
In what way?
Well in 1959 when I worked with them, they were without a doubt an absolute sensation. I remember trying to get into the studio in the morning only to find my way blocked by young ladies who were desperate to try and catch a glimpse of Phillip or Donald. They were just besotted with these two handsome young men who sang popular songs. Their level of devotion was intense and their idols could do no wrong.
A Date With The Everly Brothers was a huge hit.
An enormous success. And very catchy the melodies were too. But it was clear to me from the screaming girls outside that Phillip and Donald could have recorded a recital of their breakfast routine and their female fanbase would have purchased it without hesitation.
So why were they a cautionary tale?
Well, a few short years later they were yesterday’s news as it were. A Date With The Everley Brothers was a top ten album and the single they released went to number one. But in 1964 I was working with them on another session and they were desperately hoping that the songs they were putting together had a realistic chance of entering the top 100, which they hadn’t managed to achieve in some time. And it only got worse from there I’m afraid.
The young girls moved on.
Well quite. In the years since I’ve worked with many young people who were highly esteemed in the popular music world and I’ve watched them talk of their adoring fans. I’ve seen the look on their face and the swagger in their walk that suggests they believe their fame is permanent. And it always brings to mind the fate of the Everly brothers; struggling away in the hope they can be relevant again.
The Beatles effectively ended their career.
A fate they shared with many other popular artists at the time who saw their career delivered a fatal blow by Beatlemania. Ironic then that their last gasp at success was at the hands of one of those who vanquished their past fame.
How so?
Well, they reformed in 1984 and recorded a new album of material. The single released from those sessions was their final appearance on the charts and it was written for them by Paul McCartney.
That’s a pleasing piece of irony.
If you’re Paul McCartney then yes, I suppose it is.
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