NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Don Everly, who was part of the rock ‘n’ roll duo of the Everly Brothers, died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 21. He was 84 years old.

Her brother, Phil Everly, passed away on January 3, 2014 at the age of 74.

Before becoming the musical group that defined the generation they were known as, the two brothers moved with their family to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1953, where they attended West High School. Don graduated from West High in 1955.

Don and Phil’s first performances were on the Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour radio show on WROL-AM before RCA Victor studio manager Chet Atkins in Nashville offered to improve their careers.

Both became a hit in the 50s and 60s with a combination of their iconic harmonies and guitar strumming-focused tracks. Their songs defined a post-war generation with hits like “Bye Bye Love”, “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, “Wake Up Little Susie” and “Let It Be Me”.

The brothers left their mark in rock ‘n’ roll history and influenced other popular musical groups that came afterwards. The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel credited the Everly Brothers with a key influence on their careers. The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

The brothers also left their mark in Knoxville. Everly Brother Park in Kingston Pike held its dedication ceremony on June 17, 2019. The park is less than a mile from West High School.

On a Twitter post, Kyle Young, CEO of the County Music Hall of Fame, said: “As a singer, songwriter and guitar innovator, Don Everly was one of the most talented and influential artists ever. of the history of popular music. His influence reverberates through the songs and ethereal harmonies he conjured with his brother Phil. “