BGA - The Everly Brothers exhibiting a masterclass in synchronicity live in 1983!

Tonight we're taking a look at The Everly Brothers performing 'Wake Up Little Susie' live in 1983!
Original video - • Everly Brothers - Wake...

[@markesquivelarvizu6942]

Never hurts to have Albert Lee backing and leading your band.

[@johnbates5118]

Glen D Hardin on piano as well?

[@zetmoon]

@@johnbates5118 no, it's Pete Wingfield.

[@kathryntreadway6647]

Beautiful harmonies from these two. If there's a rock n roll heaven, you know they've got a hell of band...

[@daveedmunds4609]

Phil constantly eyeballs Don to keep in sync with Don's phrasing. I noticed this when I produced two albums for them.

[@geoffreyvanvugt6227]

Wow... Dave Edmunds himself replying himself. That is awesome!!

[@cak8132]

I like to think of it as their “genetic telepathy”. It’s extraordinary and fascinating to watch them “read” each other during a performance. Thanks for chiming in, Dave. Great to have an expert such as yourself contributing.

[@ARIZJOE]

Thank you for the expert commentary, Mr. Edmunds. I have often wondered why the Everlys had such a difficult time finding material after they left Cadence and the Bryants. I wish they would have stretched with some Gram Parsons or lesser known west coast material. Or the Stones' "Torn and Frayed," "Factory Girl," e.g. In the analog age, I reckon finding material was much more arduous. Of course, the implications of intellectual property are problematic.

[@jeffclark7888]

Whoa!

[@mandybarnett3647]

Oh it's like 3:57 am I KNOW who you are!! THE Dave Edmunds! Wow, welcome! I love Phil he does a great job with the breakdowns of the artists! I hope you didn't think I was contradicting what you said, just adding my experience! I am not in your league but I have been in the trenches a long time! lol

[@TheDivayenta]

Wonderful to see this. Boy did they influence a lot of artists- especially the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.

[@nrsvlda70]

Brian May too.. he played a couple of their 45s on his channel this week.

[@ronskokandich1002]

@@nrsvlda70 u

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Graham Nash and Alan Clarke were hugely influenced also, these guys blazed the trail

[@Noelle0026]

They influenced Brian May of Queen as well. He talks about Don and Phil’s influence on him.

[@ltodd79]

Nothing compares to the Everly Brothers. And Don Everly is still one of the best rhythm guitar players that ever came down the pike. Great breakdown of this performance.

[@steveparkes1]

I took my wife and son to see this show at the Apollo in Manchester, the soundtrack to my youth. RIP Don.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

I won't call The Everly's underrated but their influence is often overlooked. They drew up the blueprint for the harmonies of the 1960s. This is especially true for Lennon/McCartney, Simon/Garfunkel, The Hollies, and The Birds. RIP guys. You rocked!

[@alfsmith4936]

It goes even further than that. Their dad Ike Everly was one of the best guitar pickers in Kentucky, giving lessons to people like Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.. If you haven't heard of them, ask a guitarist :p

[@dancegregorydance6933]

You can hear the Everly Brothers in Simon & Garfunkel’s and the Beatles’ harmonies for sure.

[@leahflower9924]

Maybe because they were just trying to make good music and other people had serious social commentary songs

[@karlpatterson8437]

@@dancegregorydance6933 Neil Young said every band he was in tried to harmonize like the Everlys, and none of them could do it. Don't know what this says about CSNY.

[@ARIZJOE]

Don't forget Keith. Yes, overlooked.

[@suzannejane1035]

Wonderful. This is the first song I heard of theirs - my mum sang it to me as a child to get me up for nursery; Suzie being my nickname. I remember that so vividly and I turned 50 a week ago! RIP Don - and Phil xx Thank you, Fil :)

[@janettamcgee8124]

Your story of your mother singing this to you is so touching. Just so sweet. Thank you for sharing.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

My mom used to sing this. Thanks for that sweet memory Fil.

[@jv-ep2tc]

I watched a documentary called rock ‘n’ roll odyssey. This was I think in the late 80s. When it was over I had my epiphany and realized how amazing they are, were. I saw them live within two years after that. Within another year I was standing next to them engaging both in conversation in person. Amazing what you can do when you set your mind to something.. They had more charisma than any two people I’ve ever met. It doesn’t surprise me that they had a devoted fan base for decades.

[@v-g-z3689]

Amazing story! The Documentary you are talking about is from 1984 I belive :)

[@carterhart5435]

You spoke to BOTH of them at the same time? You are aware they hated each other, correct? Legend has it they wouldn't be in the same room together, much less engage anyone in conversation together. They each came on stage from opposite sides because of this hatred toward each other. Peter and Gordon copied this because they thought it was cool, without knowing the actual reason.

[@jv-ep2tc]

@@v-g-z3689 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep3Odmp8opJ2p6c

[@v-g-z3689]

@@carterhart5435 People do exaggerate though...

[@janemcgrahan7691]

Ĺ

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

My brothers had their songs on '45's. Love the Everly Brothers; they had amazing harmonies. Let It Be Me is my favorite song of theirs.

[@twpsy634]

Let it be Me is indeed glorious.

[@dbeuten]

If you watch them Phil looks so closely at Don intently. Crying’ in the Rain from the same show is also amazing. Phil was genius with his harmonies live because he was always spot on which is so difficult because you can’t anticipate the nuances of the lead singer. They weren’t a machine.

[@dragonmummy1]

I saw them live in Oxford. Phil never took his eyes off Don. Don looked like he might walk off the stage at any moment! Don’t think they were as reconciled as they made out. They still sounded so sweet though.

[@cathrinecolwell3303]

@@dragonmummy1 Phil always looked at Don; had to do with the harmonizing.

[@ARIZJOE]

Don was probably the better musician. Baby boy Phil always looked up to big brother, when they were working. And it turned out pretty well.

[@lynndow3185]

The sweet fun of this song is totally impossible to resist! They were amazing live! Much obliged for explaining all the reasons why.

[@savannahdockins7022]

Never thought too much about how old I was getting to be until the last year. So many of the people I grew up listening to have passed away. Breaks my heart. Thank you for keeping them and their music alive for all.

[@paulfoster5269]

The timbre is their sibling voices is so well matched which almost makes the "one voice" as you said. No autotune or pitch shifters EVER needed.

[@yesterdayproductions1019]

Autotune would HURT the Every Brothers. LOL

[@nrsvlda70]

1958.. (I’m 8).. driving with parents in our 1952 Chev.. radio on, listening to this song!! I’ll never forget it! This and Bye Bye Love.. and, SO many more! Thanks for posting and for your review, as always!

[@JerisEve]

Such great memories. Grew up with 2 sisters who were 12 and 14 years older, so they had every Everly Brothers 45. Can't remember when they weren't part of my life. Thank you for (again) showing them the respect they deserve.

[@TorToroPorco]

In addition to their beautiful harmonies they had some great dynamic guitar strumming that really gave their songs such great energy and melody. They must have sounded absolutely fabulous in person.

[@gulfgal98]

Over time, the Everly Brothers will be even more recognized as the genius musicians they were and how great an impact they had on music and will continue to have in the future. I loved the Everlys then and still do. Their music stands the test of time. Thank you for your wonderful analysis, Fil.

[@jillshort9241]

As I watched this, I was amazed at how perfectly their timing was at waiting to come in after that little lead guitar flourish, which requires not only the perfect wait timing but perfect breath timing too, because ya gotta breathe before singing. It seems second nature to these guys. Great ability ☺

[@Sharon-pb7so]

Bobby Hatfield never seemed to breathe when he did Unchained Melody on the Andy Williams show. I guess the greatest singers had perfect breath timing as you said.

[@dcal3775]

I came to KZbin after Don's passing to look at some videos and came across a few of your analysis clips on the Everly Brothers. After that, I went down the Fil rabbit-hole and watched you break-down performances from a wide array of genres. What struck me most was your joy in the music and your absolute respect when discussing a variety of artists. Your appreciation is infectious. I hope that you do many, many more of these. The Everly Brothers, like many of the artists you discuss, are musical giants meant to be remembered. Thank you for introducing a new generation of fans to this music. Rest in peace, Don and Phil. 💙 (And hoping for much more from, and for, you, Fil.)

[@Morticia1313]

RIP Don. 🙏 They were great. I love this version🎶♥️

[@gwynwellliver4489]

In 83/84 my 8th grade music teacher did half a year on the history of rock and roll. It took us 4 classes to watch this concert, because whatever song we ended on when class was over, the next class, we backtracked a song or two, because the boys thought they were fooling the teacher. I don't think he cared and just really liked the Everly brothers. Thanks to them, I can sing along to all the Everly brothers' hits.

[@Mooseman327]

Uncanny vocal duet. And....that's the legendary Albert Lee, of course, behind them on electric lead.

[@barbaramilone2800]

Although I knew that Don had passed, this amazing duo was part of my very early childhood. My mother always had the radio on, and in the late 50s and early 60s, I always heard the Everly Brothers. I was just a kid, but I knew all their songs! Now, sadly, both brothers are gone, but their music is not! Thanks for featuring them, Fil!

[@195511SM]

I'm just now hearing that he passed. My older sister's name was Kathy, and so I'll always think of riding around on my bicycle in the early 1960s......with a transistor radio with the mono earpiece, hearing 'Kathy's Clown'.

[@zachgates7491]

A terrible week for music with Charlie Watts, Tom T Hall, and Don Everly now gone.

[@Morticia1313]

I'm so heart broken over Charlie💔

[@patriciasnyder6915]

That’s how I felt the year we lost Kenny Rogers, Mac Davis and Charlie Daniels.

[@falcon5467]

Tom T. too? I didn't hear that. They say these things always occur in threes.

[@terischick9562]

And Nanci Griffith the week before.

[@Teresa7087]

They were truly gifted and unique. Never to be matched. Simply amazing. Their influence will carry on.

[@angelatheriault8855]

A little known fact is that Phil and Don’s first cousin was James Best, the actor who played Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane in the tv series, the Dukes of Hazzard. He had an exceptionally fine voice too and was also a voice actor and musician.

[@robertacolarette1594]

I had no idea James Best was a first cousin. I’ve watched him for years on television. I remember he played a guitar player in an early episode of the same name on Andy Griffith.

[@FunkyMarcel]

After his mother (Lena Guy, nee Everly) died of tuberculosis in 1929, then three-year-old James Guy was sent to live in an orphanage. He was later adopted by Armen Best

[@robertacolarette1594]

@@jennifursun3303 I really didn’t think he played the guitar because the cameraman never actually showed that it was him playing.

[@v-g-z3689]

Their perfection went so far that when Don was singing a note slightly out of key, what occasionally happens even to the best of the best, Phil instantly also sang that note slightly out of key to exactly the same amount so that it would perfectly match Don´s "wrong" note harmony wise. That is incredible, I have no other duo in mind that was able to do that.

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

That’s amazing!

[@DavidB-2268]

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing them on this tour. Fantastic show.

[@d.h.a.2700]

Thank you for doing this. RIP Don. They gave us some wonderful music.

[@1Moonchild]

Thanks for this one, Fil! The Everlys sounded as fresh in 1983 as they did back in 1957 when this song was a hit. Rest easy, Don.

[@tammy5926]

Love the Everly Brothers. Good choice Fil. You are a natural at analysis. 🥰

[@WhizzingFish12]

I cannot believe how EXACTLY the reproduce this song as well as they did in studio 26 YEARS earlier. They are incredibly talented.

[@enterprise1954]

Strumming an acoustic is the easiest thing to do badly, but the most difficult to do well. The Everlys did it very well. Thank you for the analysis.

[@snitzel1955skrm]

I am so happy I grew up in the days of music like this. Seeing how much joy it brings to others now keeps it fresh. RIP Phil & Don Everly. That hellava band is ready to have you join them!

[@TheNoisylover]

The Everlys were the greatest of live performers. They had incredible vocal dynamics. They played a microphone diaphrem like an instrument. The several times I saw them they were backed by the best studio musicians in Nashville. I thought what a great gig ~ They get to go out three months a year in great touring circumstances . Great venues, the best band imaginable. ~~~ They had Larry Londin on drums, Buddy Emmons on steel, ~~ The whole band were instrumental stars. There was the greatest chicken pickin guitarist. And The Everly Brothers absolutely deserved this great band. They were supported by their peers. They taught John and Paul and Graham and The Hollies and many others to sing as one

[@pollynolin3602]

I love watching your face as you watch the videos. I can see how much you enjoy the performances. 💕

[@danielerickson5175]

Who doesn’t love these guys??? I enjoyed you’re pointing out both country and blues influence in this song. After all, that is what rock ‘n’ roll came from! I cannot remember why I skipped going to see them in Melbourne Florida in 1990 or 91 I believe… what was I thinking???

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! One of my favorite duos ever! I was 12 when I heard them, and was immediately hooked! I loved hearing Don pair up with Cliff Richard! Cliff admired The Everly Brothers, and paired up with Don at one of his concerts after Phil passed away. I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing...one of the good guys! ✌️. I always felt I was the Susie in their song!

[@helenmadog1211]

It wasn't Don who sang with Cliff, it was Phil

[@kathyirvine6719]

I wish we had this music now the greatest music ever, Love you Fil! My brother is studying your musical techniques from you! I love it when he plays his songs for me.

[@allanjones1680]

Nice choice with this performance Fil, they sounded great!

[@bebo5558]

There is nothing better and tighter than sibling harmonies! Not to forget they were BOTH great singers!

[@johnnymossville]

I have always loved this song. The lyrics really hit home.

[@judiroth7855]

Bravo❤️❤️❤️👏👏👍⭐️. Everlys were supreme. What harmony. My teen years were spent listening to them and still do over 60 years later. Perfection❤️. Thank you for this👏👏🌈❤️

[@eileenlois6129]

Thank you so much for doing this show. The Everly Brothers were the best.

[@Ozmag1508]

That’s for this analysis Fil. I was lucky to attend the Reunion Concert at the RAH in Nov 83, still the best gig I’ve been to. I love the way you have the same sense of joy that I feel whenever I hear them sign. Don is a terrific guitarist indeed

[@bufb]

Never again will we see the likes of harmony of Everly Brothers

[@harley8680]

But, seriously...Fil your hair looks amazing!

[@tdave1234]

Search KZbin for their live version of "Why Worry Now" with Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler and Michael McDonald (et al.). It's amazing. Thanks for this, Fil. RIP.

[@noelanderson8915]

I just had to check this out mate. Thanks for the heads-up. That was bloody fantastic and they pleasure in each musicians is something to behold. Thanks AGAIN.

[@holly7869]

Watching it now. A magical moment.

[@tinalippincott9823]

Yes! My favorite ensemble performance of all time. Everlys were the first music I took note of as a very young child. I adored them. Shed a few tears over the death of Don and Phil in 2014. What a sad week in music. Love you, Fil! This is awesome, as was your earlier Everlys critique. My sincere thanks!!!

[@seriesscratchx9807]

Let It Be Me is my favorite Everly Brothers song!

[@robertkroberjr.157]

RIP Don Everly! 🙏❤ Thanks Fil! 😎✌

[@bettychatfield2544]

I saw the Everly Brothers in concert back in '83 and saw how amazing they were, it was one of the highlights of my concert going life

[@isorokudono]

Thanks Fil!!!! These dudes could really sing AND play. RIP Don and Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones. Fil....you must know The Righteous Brothers, their first record was for a "beach" type movie. I have the record. The first track, Justine, is strait up punk rock, check it out. P.S. I used to sing Wake Up Lil Suzy when I was 3. This was RADIO GOLD!

[@Emslander]

In 1957, when this came out, it was clearly a fantastic song, but I think it takes all these years and maybe even more to truly understand and appreciate the genius.

[@francesharrisonchesney]

I remember watching this concert at Royal Albert Hall on PBS....perfect harmony personified...and Albert Lee on lead guitar...you really can't beat that!

[@tod3msn]

Phil and Don spent so much of their post success era fighting which is unfortunate but understandable as sibling relationships can be intense.

[@zachgates7491]

According to Charlie Louvin of the Louvin brothers, all the brother duos hated each other

[@joegeorge3889]

They were really good I grew up with there music

[@mmccartney6579]

They were so GREAT together. It's a shame that off and on for years, they wouldn't even talk to each other, then, they would agree to do a "reunion" performance, and blow us all away, and like they never missed a day performing together.

[@geoffreyvanvugt6227]

I had the priviledge to be the supporting act for the EB in the Netherlands along with my father back in '95. My father and i are big fans of the EB and so we sing in the same style but with our own songs. The best compliment we got in Ahoy Rotterdam that was from Don Everly himself saying after our performance was, "they are to good, they just sound like the young Everly's" That compliment i will never forget.

[@sooz9433]

I can only pray that Don and Phil knew how we loved and appreciated them and their music. I will forever wonder if they had any clue as to how accomplished, how perfect they were. Thank you for this one Fil. Soundtrack of my youth 🎼🖤

[@josephmartinez8803]

Their mother is still living and she is 102 years old. RIP Don!

[@Johnnycdrums]

I don’t know about that.

[@SamtheMan0508]

@@Johnnycdrums The article I read said she was still alive.

[@rachelbarber8814]

Died in 2022.

[@v-g-z3689]

@@rachelbarber8814 So she did die eventually? I´m not surprised, she outlived her husband, her younger and her older son. Being over 100 years old and losing basically all your family does make the end come close. May she rest in peace.

[@nataliedeshow768]

She passed in November 2022, a few months after Don.

[@carolmoscicke4958]

Phil and Don were both left handed and had to learn to play right handed. Amazing!

[@rorygay7284]

Donny and marie in "I'm leaving it all up to you," exhibits this same synchronicity

[@dancegregorydance6933]

I feel so lucky as a millennial to have grown up listening to the Everly Brothers, all thanks to my Dad!

[@bruceallen6016]

The first time ever I heard "Wake up little Susie" was in the late 50s early 60s in my Dads car. He was a country music guy. The Everly's have now become a favorite because of this. I'm just now realizing how good they really were. Thumb up for showing their raw talent. 😎

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I like the Everly Brothers because of their great music, including the good vocal harmonies. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. May Phil and Don Everly rest in peace. Cheers, Fil! ✌️

[@DC-xx4kv]

Hey there Phil. I’m 59. I’ve had the opinion for as long as I can remember that this song is the start of power chord rock. Which is probably the most popular rock. Love the Everly Brothers. Thx.

[@1968custom]

voices like two notes on an organ - perfect

[@j.s.3113]

And, to be more perfect, the amazing Albert Lee on lead guitar.

[@angelaboncore3132]

I remember so well the Everly Brothers and had a crush on Phil....So long ago - such great great music.

[@johnfoster4244]

"Oh Dear....what can I do....Baby's in Black, and I'm Feelin' Blue"

[@kathyvitale6908]

Everly brothers my first love musically then Beatles taking over. Love great harmonies!! My older sister had all the brothers records, I followed with Beatles albums! Lol

[@dalem8332]

Brilliant beautiful spot on harmonies! Influenced so many artists to come. Fantastic! Great performance! ♥️🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦

[@ronnie5129]

R.I.P. To The Brothers, they were a great Duo, A lot of people have Borrowed the style they had, over the years, why not, they were great, Cousin Figel

[@stevegribble3790]

The greatest harmony ever, I was lucky enough to meet them, nothing beat them

[@mikebrambles9974]

Thanks, Fil, for this great tribute to Don @ Phil. I had the pleasure of attending both nights of this Reunion show at the Albert Hall 22nd & 23rd of September 1983. I can honestly say they were the best two concerts I’ve ever attended. The atmosphere was electrifying 😎

[@miaschu8175]

When I was a child in the mid '70s, I'd play my mum's Everly Brothers cassette over and over. I didn't realise that the picture on the front, of Phil and Don in their early 20s, was taken 20 years previously, and I had such a crush! Not quite as big as the one I had on Donny Osmond, but I liked their music even more. I still do.

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

I remember these songs but I very young. Heard them and did not think about again. Recently, started seeing their music on KZbin. Their story is fascinating. No silver platter. Hard work. Thanks

[@PYC000]

Thanks for doing this. They were great and I'm sure this brought back great memories for many.

[@jonimaricruz1692]

I didn’t know Don Everly had died, too. What a sad and tragic few days it’s been. Oh hell, I’m starting to cry. I need some wine. Excuse me.

[@mandybarnett3647]

Dave Edmunds as a kid growing up my best friend and I sang from toddlers on up...We could tell by a tilt of the head, or a change in posture, as most of our singing was done in church.. we lead worship..what was done in practice seldom ended up happening in the service.. so she sang lead and I was the harmonist.. it became like second nature to watch those " tells" that the Spirit was moving in a different direction so to speak.. lol Because it was so seamless with the vocals the band learned to let us do a bit ourselves, then come in on the second or third bar! It actually became part of our style to go solo in the beginning even when we gigged in other arenas.. I think it's a mark of people who were really professional through the years.. like my drumming daughter tells me it's got to jive to thrive! lol

[@phoebeh3watkins464]

I just love your reactions to the music from back in the day . the way you smile when you hear the singers lets us know how much you apricate their talent . sometimes I catch myself watching you smile because I've lived the history you are seeing now so I want to see your reaction and your smile says it all ! Your Reactions are so much true to life since you are a musician too ! you know all of the notes as to where I just enjoy the music and singing . that is why I like how you explain what is going on in the songs . I have always Loved The Everly Brothers I realized they were '' in synch " when they sing but I didn't know about hitting every note like the '' T '' as the example that you used . that there would be 2 split second '' T's '' I think only someone like yourself would hear . but years later I would have heard it after you explained it . But The Everly Brothers were good at what they did they sang as one always hitting the notes at the same time . I can't play a note or sing a note but I know Great Music when I hear it . Thank You For Sharing Your Reactions With Us I Have Learned A Lot From You And I'm Glad You Are Enjoying The Great Music From Back In The Day . If They Messed Up On A Song You Heard It ! There Was NO COVER UP ! This Music Was '' REAL MUSIC ''

[@robertakerman3570]

This vid meant a lot to Me. Normally, I don't smile as much as You. Today I probably did. I thank You.

[@shirleypearson8702]

Hey Fil!! I've heard this song many times and always loved the sound of it , their harmonies but your explanation tells me why and makes perfect sense! Another great analysis. RIP Don!!❤

[@wandaburnsworth1588]

They were super talented!

[@drewpall2598]

I've always love the rock and roll harmony of Phil and Don Everly as you know they could do the slow ballads like "All I Have To Do Is Dream" and the fast pace rockers like "Wake Up Little Susie" hard to pick out one favorite song of their when they all are great. excellent rundown on this performance. Fil I am sure You could have a go at this song and do a great version of it. Rock on in Peace Don along side your brother Phil.

[@debravirden7130]

All i can say is thank you Fil!

[@donfilkins298]

Listened again ....I noticed that even there vabratoes were in sync!!......that's some serious sing skills!

[@donfilkins298]

They were so good!.....yes they were very matched in there singing. I was a hard rock guy.....but still loved this song and the everly brothers!!!

[@mountart2]

two voices as one... the best harmonies ever!

[@robertacolarette1594]

I always enjoy it when you explain why some musicians are great. I remember as a kid I loved hearing their songs come on the radio. It’s because I never heard voices like that before. It did sound like one voice. Very unique. They truly were one of the pioneers of the rock that exploded in the 60’s and beyond. Thanks for a great analysis, Fil.

[@SamtheMan0508]

I love "On the Wings of a Nightingale".

[@GoldTop57]

Written by Paul McCartney specifically for them.

[@petercarlson9463]

Love the music!! The lead guitarist is Albert Lee

[@debbeborders5762]

I was a kid and remember watching them on live TV quite often. I never saw them in person however I would have loved it. Thank you for pointing out their strengths as guitar players.

[@scottatbuzzmaven]

My family in Muhlenberg Co KY were friends with the Everly family thanks to coal mining connections. I never met them, but they were as kind and friendly as you could imagine. Very sad to see them pass.

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

Had the pleasure of see the Guys 3 times over the years. Sounds stay with you forever.

[@suecox2308]

Always loved the joy of this song!

[@ronnieingle1447]

I did not know he passed! Oh no all the good ones. May the good Lord keep you.