Music legend Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers, has passed away at the age of 74.
His wife Patti told The LA Times that the beloved musician passed away from complications of lung disease.
“We are absolutely heartbroken,” she said, telling the newspaper that Phil’s disease came as a result of a lifetime of smoking.
Together with his brother Don, Phil Everly shot to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. The pair were responsible for a string of hits under the moniker The Everly Brothers, including All I Have To Do Is Dream, Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Suzie.
The brothers were considered “the most important vocal duo in rock” by Rolling Stone.
In 1973, Phil and Don had an onstage argument that led to the break-up of the group and ten years spent estranged from each other, but reunited in 1983.
In 1986, the brothers were elected to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
The Washington Post reported that Don was too upset to speak yesterday, with a woman at his home quoted as saying: “He expected to go first.”
