Phil Everly’s death at age 74 on Friday has set off tributes from some of the biggest names in the business including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Brian May of Queen and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
The world is mourning the death of Phil Everly with a long series of tributes to the man and his duo’s music.
Everly died yesterday at the age of 74 of complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).
Brother Don Everly:
I loved my brother very much. I always thought I’d be the one to go first. I was listening to one of my favorite songs that Phil wrote and had an extreme emotional moment just before I got the news of his passing. I took that as a special spiritual message from Phil saying good-bye. Our love was and will always be deeper than any earthly differences we might have had. The world might be mourning an Everly Brother, but I’m mourning my brother Phil Everly. My wife Adela and I are touched by all the tributes we’re seeing for Phil and we thank you for allowing us to grieve in private at this incredibly difficult time.
Brian Wilson:
My heart is so incredibly saddened by the passing of Phil Everly. The Everly Bros music was a huge inspiration for me growing up. As brothers, those harmonies just sound so sweet and tender, I think it’s a family thing. I could never get enough of their voices. Love and Mercy to his family, friends and devoted fans.
Brian May:
I feel like a huge piece of my youth just melted away. I loved, loved those guys, and still do. From the Everly Brothers I learned to play rhythm guitar (a lot of people don’t have that experience these days), and I learned every note of both parts they sang.
I never met them. Wish I had. But they will always be my heroes. RIP Phil Everly… you were magic. I have tears in my eyes.
Paul Simon:
Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. The Everlys were there at the crossroads of country and R&B. They witnessed and were part of the birth of rock and roll.
Carole King:
So sad to lose Phil Everly. Deepest condolences to his family.
Nancy Sinatra:
Phil Everly is gone. Touring with Phil and Don was one of the thrills of my life. I love you Phillip – Godspeed
Sir Tim Rice:
Death of the great Phil Everly one of the saddest musical exits of all time for me. He and Don more influential than even they knew.
Eric Idle
So sad that Phil Everly has just died. I loved the Everly’s and managed to meet Phil at Ringo’s Star ceremony on the Walk of Fame. So Sad.
Duane Eddy (on BBC Radio 5Live):
It’s a terribly, terribly loss – for me, for everybody. It was the most beautiful sound you’ll ever here I think, of two voices. They were like two great singers that came together who happened to be brothers and had that same sibling quality. It just made for a beautiful sound.
Billie Joe Armstrong (latest album is Foreverly with Norah Jones, a recreation of the Everly Brother’s LP Songs Our Daddy Taught Us):
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. … We’re gonna miss you Phil. Gratitude.
Norah Jones:
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.
Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet:
If you’re a Beatles fan you owe it all to Phil Everly. A pillar of modern pop music. RIP.
Paul Williams:
I always admired the Everly brothers. Now, Phil has passed. He wrote “When Will I Be Loved”. I’d say always!
Jackie DeShannon:
My heart goes out to the Everly family. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Phil has been a great inspiration. He will be missed by all.
B.J. Thomas:
Phil Everly RIP. One of the all time greats of the music world. An inspiration to us all. BJ
Albert Lee:
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.
Michele Branch:
I am so sad to hear of Phil Everly’s passing. I learned how to sing harmony as a kid in the backseat listening to The Everly Bros. R.I.P. :(
Joan Osborne:
Phil Everly, RIP, thanks to you and Don for the angelic harmonies.
Cynthia Weil:
So sad to hear about passing of Phil Everly. Sweet memory of dancing with him as he sang Let It Be Me into my ear…the harmony of course.
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