The Significance Of The Everly Brothers’ Influence On Simon & Garfunkel.

December 2, 2024

The Significance of The Everly Brothers’ Influence on Simon & Garfunkel

In the annals of American music, few sibling duos have wielded the same influence as The Everly Brothers. Their blend of harmonies and poignant storytelling carved a distinct niche in the fabric of folk rock, a genre that would later find its zenith in the work of Simon & Garfunkel. To comprehend the depth of Simon & Garfunkel’s sound, one must first traverse the musical landscapes laid by Don and Phil Everly. Their rich blend of country, blues, and pop became a template for the lyrical and harmonic sophistication that would define the iconic duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

The Everly Brothers, who burst onto the scene in the late 1950s, brought a fresh and innovative approach to vocal harmony. Their ability to weave intricate melodies with powerful emotional undercurrents established an archetype that resonated deeply with Simon & Garfunkel. Just as the Everly Brothers employed a seamless interweaving of their voices, Simon and Garfunkel harnessed this same technique, crafting a sound that felt both personal and universal. Songs like “All I Have to Do Is Dream” showcased the brothers’ knack for crystalline harmonies, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of Simon & Garfunkel’s signature tracks like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Lyrically, the Everly Brothers paved the way for Simon & Garfunkel’s introspective style. The themes of love, loss, and longing that permeated the Everly Brothers’ oeuvre resonated with a generation grappling with the complexities of the modern world. Their track “Cathy’s Clown,” a poignant narrative of heartache, exemplifies this tradition of storytelling. Paul Simon’s songwriting embraced similar themes, often steeped in a sense of melancholy that mirrored the emotional depth found in the Everly Brothers’ work. The nuanced storytelling embedded in Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog, as heard in “Scarborough Fair,” is a direct descendant of the narrative richness fostered by the Everly brothers.

Furthermore, the commercial success of the Everly Brothers laid a vital groundwork for the acceptance of folk rock as a genre. Their chart dominance throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s opened doors for other artists, including Simon & Garfunkel. While the former embodied a more traditional approach to harmony and instrumentation, Simon & Garfunkel would fuse these elements with the burgeoning sounds of the folk revival, as well as the nascent undercurrents of rock music. The triumph of their album *Bridge Over Troubled Water* can be traced, at least in part, to the path paved by the Everly Brothers, as audiences increasingly embraced rich, harmonious vocal arrangements.

In addition, the Everly Brothers’ influence can be felt in the arrangement style that Simon & Garfunkel adopted. The meticulous layering of guitars and subtle orchestration in songs like “The Boxer” reflects a reverence for the production techniques popularized by the Everly Brothers. Their groundbreaking work with producer Wesley Rose in the late 1950s showcased the potential of studio innovation, which Simon & Garfunkel expanded upon under producer Roy Halee, creating an aural landscape that was both lush and haunting.

In conclusion, the interwoven legacies of The Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel underscore an essential chapter in the evolution of American music. The former’s innovative harmonies and rich storytelling not only influenced the latter’s musical approach but also shaped the essence of folk rock as a genre. As Simon & Garfunkel emerged as champions of a new sound, they carried forward the spirit of their predecessors, illustrating how art begets art. The remarkable lineage of influence speaks not only to the brothers’ lasting impact but also to the vital importance of musical continuity in the ongoing dialogue between artists across generations.