Phil Everly, one-half of the popular singing duo the Everly Brothers, has died at the age of 74. Known for songs like Wake Up Little Susie, Bye Bye Love, Cathy’s Clown and When Will I Be Loved, the singing brothers–Phil and brother Don Everly–were one of the highlights of the 1960s. Phil Everly died on Friday at a Burbank hospital of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–otherwise known as COPD.

Fans weren’t the only ones impressed with the Everly Brothers back in the sixties. The Beatles once referred to themselves as “the English Everly Brothers.” Even Bob Dylan was once heard to say, “We owe these guys everything. They started it all.”

The famous singing brothers once broke up very publicly during a performance at California’s Knott’s Berry Farm. Phil Everly threw his guitar down on stage, prompting brother Don to tell the crowd, “The Everly Brothers died ten years ago.”

The two pursued solo careers to little avail, eventually coming back together again.

Don Everly told the Associated Press back in 1986 that he and Phil were successful because “we never followed trends. We did what we liked and followed our instincts. Rock ‘n’ roll did survive, and we were right about that. Country did survive, and we were right about that. You can mix the two but people said we couldn’t.”

The Everly Brothers performed this past September at the First Annual Everly Brothers Family and Fansite Show.

Nancy Sinatra weighed in via Twitter about Phil Everly’s passing.

Phil Everly is gone. Touring with Phil and Don was one of the thrills of my life. I love you Phillip – Godspeed http://t.co/9qJ84qZyJz

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) January 4, 2014

Tributes are pouring in from all around the world from celebrities and fans. Condolences and prayers are accompanying them. The music world has indeed lost a legend. Brother Don Everly survives him.

Image via Wikimedia