The Everly Brothers And The Road Trip Where They Wrote Half Of Wake Up Little Susie In The Backseat

April 2, 2025

It was the summer of 1957, and the air was thick with the scents of gasoline and excitement as The Everly Brothers kicked off a long road trip across the heartland of America. Don and Phil Everly, a duo known for their smooth harmonies and infectious melodies, were traveling in a crowded tour bus. While the landscape whizzed by outside their window, they were filled with a mix of nerves and anticipation about their upcoming performances. Little did they know that this trip would spark the creation of one of their most beloved songs, “Wake Up Little Susie.”

As the miles rolled on, the brothers settled into the backseat, their minds buzzing with ideas. With everything around them humming with the rhythm of the road, Don pulled out his guitar. The two began to strum a simple melody that echoed the heartbeat of their shared passion for music. They bounced lyrical ideas back and forth like a game of catch, each line sparking the next. In that cramped backseat, amidst the laughter and chatter of their bandmates, they began to write a song that would capture the imaginations of listeners everywhere.

“Why don’t we tell a story?” Phil suggested as he leaned forward, eyes glinting with inspiration. They imagined a young couple who had fallen asleep during a late-night movie, their excitement turned to worry when they realized how late it was. It was a relatable tale, one that echoed the innocence of youth and the thrill of first love. As they crafted the lyrics, Don and Phil could feel the rush of creativity pulsing through them. They were not just writing a song; they were weaving a piece of their own youthful experiences into the fabric of music.

When they finally arrived at their destination, the song was only half-finished, but excitement bubbled in their chests. After their show that night, they would return to their hotel room, where they would put the finishing touches on “Wake Up Little Susie” with swirling ideas still fresh in their minds. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable story resonated deeply with audiences, quickly climbing the charts and solidifying their status as music legends. It was a moment of triumph that proved how inspiration could be found even in the most unexpected places.

For Don and Phil, the creation of this song was more than a career milestone; it was a testament to their bond as brothers and creative partners. They realized that their experiences and the stories they shared were what made their music resonate with fans. Their journey on that road trip taught them that creativity could blossom anywhere—whether in the backseat of a tour bus or on a stage in front of thousands.

In the years that followed, “Wake Up Little Susie” would become a classic, a song many would sing along to in cars and at parties. The Everly Brothers continued to inspire generations with their harmonies, but it was that summer road trip that reminded them of the sheer joy of creating music. As they looked back on their journey, they knew that their passion, resilience, and deep connection were the true secrets to their success. And in every note they played, they carried a piece of that road trip magic with them, reminding everyone that adventure and creativity go hand in hand.