The Everly Brothers And The Grandma Who Said, “They Helped Me Survive The ‘60S”

April 3, 2025

As I sat on the porch listening to the distant sound of birds chirping, I couldn’t help but be transported back to my teenage years, a time colored by the sweet harmonies of two brothers. The Everly Brothers had a magical way of weaving their melodies into the fabric of my life, particularly during the chaotic 1960s. “They helped me survive the ‘60s,” I often say, reminiscing about how their music became a refuge amid the storm. The world was changing rapidly, with protests and turbulence echoing through the streets, but their songs provided solace and hope, stitching together the fragments of a turbulent period.

It was 1960 when I first discovered the Everly Brothers. I was just a girl, barely sixteen, trying to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence while the world outside seemed to be on fire. With their harmonies ringing in my ear, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Songs like “Bye Bye Love” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream” became my anthems. I remember spending long summer afternoons curled up on my bed, the radio blaring, dreaming of love and adventure, believing that I could escape the turmoil around me. Their voices, smooth as silk, carried a warmth that made every worry fade away.

In those days, music was more than just entertainment; it was a lifeline. When my parents argued about the issues of the day, I would retreat into the soothing harmonies of Don and Phil Everly. Their sound felt like a hug, wrapping around me and reminding me that I was not alone. It was their ability to blend rock and country seamlessly that drew me in. They faced their own struggles while navigating fame, but through it all, they kept creating beautiful music. Their resilience inspired me, igniting a passion for pursuing my own dreams, no matter how daunting.

As the 1960s wore on, the challenges of the era intensified. The Vietnam War raged on, and the fight for civil rights took center stage. I often felt overwhelmed, but then I would hear “Wake Up Little Susie” playing, and it was as if the burden of the world lifted, if only for a moment. The Everly Brothers not only captured the spirit of youth, but they also managed to convey deep emotions that resonated with everyone. Their music reminded me that behind every hardship lay the possibility of better days. Each strum of their guitar felt like a reminder to hold on—to stay hopeful.

Decades later, as I reflect on those times, I realize how profound their influence was on my life. The Everly Brothers taught me that music has the power to heal. Their harmonies became a soundtrack not just for my teenage years, but for the fires of resilience I learned to nurture within myself. When I finally saw them live years later, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Standing in that crowded hall, surrounded by people who understood the weight of their lyrics, I felt a shared history and a deep sense of gratitude. I had survived the ’60s, and their music was a significant part of my journey.

Today, I often share my story with younger generations, hoping to pass along the lesson I learned: that even in the hardest of times, there’s always a melody waiting to lift our spirits. The Everly Brothers weren’t just musicians; they were the architects of my hope, teachers of resilience, and friends through the rough patches of life. Their legacy lives on in our hearts, reminding us that music has the extraordinary power to bring us together, to heal wounds, and to inspire us to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles in our way.