The Fabulous Style of the Everly Brothers

Editors’ Notes Flawless harmonies, great songs, and crisp production were the secrets to The Everly Brothers’ chart-topping success. The sibling duo’s unique fusion of old-time country and beat-driven rock ‘n’ roll can be heard on The Fabulous Style…, a 1960 compilation of their Cadence recordings that includes key singles and prime album cuts. Phil and Don’s uncanny vocal blend gives these tracks a sparkle that hasn’t dimmed with the decades. Exceptional songwriters like Felice and Boudleaux Bryant supplemented the Everlys’ own tunes with songs that addressed the lives of American teenagers with sympathy and humor. Signature tracks like “Let It Be Me,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and “When Will I Be Loved” testify to the duo’s high artistic standards. Feisty covers of “Be Bop A-Lula” and “Rip It Up” show off their rockabilly side; “Like Strangers” and “Take a Message to Mary” find them adding folk and Latin accents to their ballads. While The Fabulous Style… doesn’t include all of the brothers’ initial hits, it is a balanced showcase of what Phil and Don did best at the start of their long and influential careers.