Isaac Donald (b.2/1/1937) and Phillip (b.1/19/1939) Everly were raised in a musical family. Ike and Margaret Everly, who, like their parents before them, were folk and country singers from central Kentucky. Ike was one of the few "authentic" guitarists in American music. The influence of his thumb-picking style can be heard in the music of players such as Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler.
After Don was born Ike moved the family to Iowa where he began working as the staff artist for KMA radio station. It was during this time that Don and Phil began working with their mother and father on radio and on stage.
In 1953 the Everlys moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they worked on WROL radio. It was here that Ike got in touch with Chet Atkins. Not long after, one of Don's songs, "Thou Shalt Not Steal," recorded by Kitty Wells was a hit. The family act was split up and they moved to Nashville.
In 1957, the Everly Brothers signed with Cadence Records and released "Bye Bye Love." The record was a hit and launched the brothers' careers. By June of 1957 they were regulars on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. They were the first act to use drums on the Grand Ole Opry.
After "Bye Bye Love," the brothers turned out a string of hits, often having several on the charts at the same time. Their phenomenal output over the next five years included: "I Wonder If I Care As Much," "Claudette," "Bird Dog," "Devoted To You," "Problems," "Take A Message To Mary," "('Til) I Kissed You," "Let It Be Me," "When Will I Be Loved," "Cathy's Clown," "So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)," "Wake Up Little Susie," "All They Have To Do Is Dream," "Walk Right Back," "Ebony Eyes," "Temptation," "Crying In The Rain," and many more.
Through the '60s they worked continuously either writing, performing or recording. In 1970 Don and Phil became television stars with "Johnny Cash Presents The Everly Brothers."
In 1973 the brothers decided split up and pursue solo careers. Don moved back to Nashville and Phil stayed in Los Angeles. Don recorded several albums and hit the country charts with his recordings of "Yesterday Just Passed My Way Again" and "Brother Jukebox."
Meanwhile Phil was
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