TORONTO — Phil Everly, the younger half of the Everly Brothers musical act, died Friday in Burbank, California. He was 74.
The singer’s wife Patti told the Los Angeles Times that Everly died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — the result of a lifetime of smoking.
In the 1950s and ’60s, the Everly Brothers had dozens of hits, including “Wake Up Little Susie” and “Bye Bye Love.”
Phil and his brother Don, 76, hold the record for the most Top 100 hits by a duo. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 (introduced by Canadian musician Neil Young) and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Everly Brothers split up in 1972 but reunited in 1983, starting with a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
They received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
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Everly recorded “Sweet Little Corrina” with country singer Vince Gill in 2006 and owned Everly Music Company, a guitar string manufacturer.
Canadian singer Bobby Curtola, who recorded the hit “Fortune Teller” in 1962, tweeted: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Phil Everly. We have lost an amazing voice. RIP.”
Everly is also survived by mother Margaret, his sons Jason and Chris and two granddaughters.
BELOW: Watch “Wake Up Little Susie” by the Everly Brothers
BELOW: WATCH “Bye Bye Love” by the Everly Brothers
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