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The Everly Brothers: Beyond the Harmonies, Paving the Way for Rock Star Riches
The Everly Brothers, renowned for their distinctive harmonies and unforgettable melodies, left an indelible mark on music history, inspiring iconic acts from The Beatles to the Beach Boys. Yet, their influence stretched beyond their sound; the duo’s groundbreaking financial success also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of rock star compensation for decades to come.
In February 1960, Phil and Don Everly, collectively known as the Everly Brothers, signed a historic 10-year contract with Warner Brothers Records for an unprecedented $1 million. This made them the first artists to secure a deal of such magnitude, a stark contrast to the mere $35,000 RCA Victor paid to buy out Elvis Presley’s contract from Sun Records just a few years prior. While their manager, Wesley Rose, reportedly exaggerated the figure from the actual $750,000 to the press, likely to command higher appearance fees, the deal was nonetheless monumental.
Prior to this, the Everly Brothers had already achieved significant success with Cadence Records, delivering hits like “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” However, as their contract neared renewal, the relatively new Warner Brothers Records, less than two years old at the time, saw an opportunity to make a “big splash” and secured the duo with their lucrative offer.
The gamble paid off handsomely for Warner Brothers. The Everly Brothers’ first release for the label, “Cathy’s Clown,” became the biggest-selling record of their career. They followed this with five more top 10 singles, ultimately generating an estimated $35 million in sales for the label.
Though the Everly Brothers continued to record for Warner Brothers throughout the 1960s, Don Everly released his first solo album in 1971, the same year the duo began working with RCA. The brothers eventually parted ways in 1973, with Don releasing a second solo record the following year.
A decade later, in 1983, the Everly Brothers reunited, cementing their legacy with further accolades. In 1986, they were among the very first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside legends such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. Their contributions continued to be recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, underscoring their enduring impact on American music.