Richard Whiteman Old Prose (2020) HD

Brothers Don and Phil Everly successfully straddled the line between country and rock-and-roll (with a healthy dollop of R&B) beginning with their first hit record, 1957’s “Bye Bye Love.” Still an oldies-radio staple today, the Felice and Boudleaux Bryant classic began a long stretch of successes for the duo. Archie Bleyer, of Cadence Records, signed the boys in February 1957 and was keenly aware of their potential to appeal to both teenaged and adult markets. At his behest, the Everlys recorded both rockers and ballads, bringing their lustrous, tight harmony blend to both styles. Bleyer’s gambit worked. Hits like “Wake Up, Little Susie” and “When Will I Be Loved” merged classic country-and-western and rock-and-roll into an inspirational whole, while their longing, ethereal vocal blend on “All I Have to Do is Dream” and “Devoted to You” established them as timeless balladeers.