May 13, 2013

Where would rock'n'roll be without the Everly Brothers? As a duo, Phil and Don Everly, probably influenced every musician by what they did in the 1950's and 1960's.

Phil and Don's music career started in Iowa in the 1940's with their father Ike's radio show. Their mother Margaret, was also a part of the radio show and the family performed as the Everly Family in and around Iowa in the early years.

Family friend, Chet Atkins, helped the boys out in 1956 in getting their first record contract.  The Everly Brothers were born.

When I heard that they were playing at a grade school in my neighborhood in Milwaukee in 1972, I could not believe it! The roller skating rink at the school was going to be having a rock'n'roll show with the Everly Brothers?? It was an amazing show and I was star struck to say the least!

Looking at my photographs from that night, I see that my good friends the Hound Dog Band must have opened up the show because the drum set says HDB on it. That was long ago and I don't remember the HDB that night but I do remember the Everly Brothers.

I also was amazed by the band the Everly Brothers had with them. The guitar player was Waddy Wachtel. Waddy has played with just about everyone from Stevie Nicks to the Eagles and many more. He is an excellent and well known session player. One of the photographs here is of Waddy.

It's fun looking back and seeing the outfits musicians wear and I love the dressed up Levi's they are wearing.

Hope you enjoy a little look at the Everly Brothers in 1972. If you would like a photograph on your wall at home or the office, 8 X 10 limited edition prints are on sale for $50.00 this week.

Have a great week.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann