Don Everly of the Everly Brothers Remembered: Legendary Singer Dies at Age 84

Don Everly, one half of the esteemed and iconic Everly Brothers, passed away recently at the age of 84. News of his death was made public by Everly’s family over the weekend, which said in a statement that he passed at home in Nashville on Saturday.

His death was confirmed by his attorney and Everly family spokesperson Linda Edell Howard.

 

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A statement from the family read as follows:

“Don lived by what he felt in his heart. Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams … living in love with his soul mate and wife Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother. Don always expressed how grateful he was for his fans.”

Don’s brother, Phil Everly, passed in January of 2014 at age 74.

News of Don’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and love across social media from several other music icons. Ringo Starr shared a photo of the Everly Brothers and the Beatles, accompanied by the caption, “God bless Don and Phil the Everly brothers we loved them peace and love.”

God bless Don and Phil the Everly brothers we loved them peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/yHLlPFciNg

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 23, 2021

Peter Frampton:

I am so sad to hear about the loss of Don Everly. Both Phil and Don created songs and harmonies that changed music forever. You will be together again now. RIP Don and Phil ❤️

— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) August 22, 2021

Jerry Lee Lewis sent out the following:

“The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective … reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories. There’s a lot I can say about Don, what he and Phil meant to me both as people and as musicians, but I am going to reflect today. God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.”

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 as part of the Hall’s inaugural class, alongside Lewis — who is now the lone remaining member of that first induction class, which included the Everlys and nine solo artists (including Lewis, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Little Richard).

A snippet from their official induction biography:

The sons of a traveling country-and-western team, Ike and Margaret Everly, the brothers first performed with their family on the road and on the radio. Then, as angelic-look­ing teenagers, they transformed the sounds of their Kentucky country roots into a bittersweet form of rock and roll.

The Everlys were inducted into the Rock Hall by Neil Young:

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys shared his thoughts:

https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1429500986117267467

As did Nancy Sinatra, who reflected on her time touring with the Everly Brothers:

We have now lost Don Everly. Touring with Phillip and Donald was literally thrilling. To have the privilege of singing with their breathtaking iconic voices was one of the great gifts of my career. Godspeed, Donald. I love you. pic.twitter.com/Vr8c9ikWAY

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 22, 2021

Roy Orbison’s legacy account also shared condolences:

We regret to inform you that Don Everly of #TheEverlyBrothers has died today, August 21, 2021.
Roy Orbison loved them as friends and looked up to them as musicians. They helped Roy become a songwriter, move to Nashville and much, much more.

Thank You Don Everly#doneverly pic.twitter.com/bQBhJdZuTc

— Roy Orbison (@ROYORBISON) August 22, 2021

Among many others.

Don Everly was among my favorite singers; there was a trace of melancholy in his voice. Although Don’s time spent as a teenage star left him guarded, the time I was lucky enough to spend with him changed my life forever.
A beautiful soul has passed from our midst.
Rodney pic.twitter.com/xERf6FLx9x

— Rodney Crowell (@RodneyJCrowell) August 22, 2021

R.I.P. Don
Of ‘The Everly Brothers’ who along with his brother Phil, wrote some of the most memorable & classic songs of all time…
Thank You for the Music 🙏🏻https://t.co/KOEU3Jxb7i pic.twitter.com/FKvceRdiAL

— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) August 22, 2021

Very sad day. Both of the Everlys were part of my musical life growing up. We were inspired by their wonderful records and their singing and their voices. Wake Up Little Suzie was my favorite as a kid. #DonEverlyRIP #doneverly https://t.co/a4hH0i2vaf

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 22, 2021

Rest easy Don Everly. Blessings to his family and friends. What an inspiration.

— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) August 23, 2021

May Don Everly and Phil Everly rest in peace.