BY SANTI GABINO JR.
Music history is indeed full of stories of trailblazers who ignited revolutions in sound, and among those legends stand the Everly Brothers — Don and Phil — whose harmony-laden hits carved a permanent groove in the rock ’n’ roll landscape. From their heartland roots to their meteoric rise to global stardom, the Everly Brothers crafted a legacy that still pulses with energy almost seven decades later.
On Wednesday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m., brace yourself for a rollicking ride as The Everly Brothers Experience, Featuring The Zmed Brothers, hits the stage at the Athens Theatre in DeLand!
Born into a musical family, Don and Phil Everly were destined for the spotlight. Their parents, Ike and Margaret Everly, enveloped the brothers in melodies and harmonies right from the cradle. Singing alongside their parents as The Everly Family in the 1940s, Don’s and Phil’s passion for music was forged early on.
In the mid-1950s, the brothers spread their wings and took flight on their own musical journey.
The sky lit up in 1957 with the release of “Bye Bye Love,” a chart-topping sensation penned by the talented duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The song’s irresistible melody and tight harmonies rocketed the Everly Brothers to instant stardom, setting the stage for a string of hits, including “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream” and “Cathy’s Clown.”
But what set the Everly Brothers apart wasn’t just their chart-topping hits — it was the way their voices wove together like strands of an otherworldly, cosmic tapestry.
Don’s and Phil’s harmonies weren’t simply notes on a page, they were a force of nature that swept listeners away on a tidal wave of emotion. Their innovative use of close-harmony singing influenced everyone from the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel to the Beach Boys and the Eagles. Their harmonies became a sonic signature, turning each song into a timeless anthem of unity and love.
The Everly Brothers didn’t simply play music, they reshaped it. They were the pioneers who dared to wield dual lead guitars in rock ’n’ roll, changing the game and the genre. Their innovative spirit and instantly recognizable harmonies redefined preconceived notions of what rock ’n’ roll should be. Their impact was so profound that in 1986, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Don and Phil Everly will forever be remembered as titans of rock ’n’ roll. Their music stands as a testament to the enduring power of passion, harmony and brotherhood. So, mark your calendars. It’s more than a concert; it’s a journey back in time.
For tickets and more information, visit www.AthensDeLand.com, or call the box office at 386-736-1500.
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
