NINE SAD YEARS

It's nine years ago today that my brother left us. I'm always torn between this day and March 24th (the day he was found in his home in North Hollywood). But, in either case, he had a full life even though it only lasted 54 years. This is the time of night when I miss him most, since this is usually when we'd be in the midst of one of our 4 hour phone calls. At these times, I put on The Last Carnival and think about that wonderfully wild life he lived. Whether you knew him or not, it gives you a pretty good sense of the man, and why he's so greatly missed:


Sundown, sundown
They're taking all the tents down
Where have you gone my handsome Billy?

Sundown, sundown
The carnival trains' leavin' town
Where are you now my darlin' Billy?

We won't be dancing together on the high wire
Facing the lions with you at my side anymore
We won't be breathin' the smoke and the fire
On the midway

Hangin' from the trapeze my wrists waitin' for your wrists
Two daredevils high up on the wall of death
You throwin' the knife that lands inches from my heart
Sundown

Moonrise, moonrise
The light that was in your eyes
Has gone away

Daybreak, daybreak
The thing in you that made me ache
Has gone to stay
We'll be riding the train without you tonight
The train that keeps on movin'
Its black smoke scorching the evening sky
A million stars shining above us like every soul livin' and dead
Has been gathered together by a God to sing a hymn over your bones

Sundown, sundown
Empty are the fairgrounds
Where are you now my handsome Billy?

PHIL EVERLY DIES

It's probably because he was growing up during the period of time when the Everly Brothers were releasing hit after hit that Bill was a fan. I can remember buying their Reunion concert album in the mid-80s and Bill being very interested in hearing it. He even took a cassette copy home, so I have to assume that he listened to it again at some point. So, another of his favorites joins him. Bill is accumulating quite the band. I'm looking forward to hearing them someday... Rest in Peace Phil Everly! (Everly died of complications related to COPD.)



With his older brother Don, Phil Everly, who has died of pulmonary disease aged 74, formed one of pop music's greatest vocal partnerships. If it was Elvis Presley who became the most spectacular icon of 1950s rock'n'roll, the Everly Brothers created a musical legacy which was every bit as influential. Their unique vocal harmonies, coupled with ingenious guitar arrangements and timeless material, had a revolutionary impact on the Beatles, the Hollies, Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, the Byrds and Crosby Stills & Nash. (Click here to read the complete obituary from The Guardian.)

More about the death of Phil Everly:

Don Everly Reacts to Brother Phil's Death: 'I Always Thought I'd Go First' by Erin Hill {Parade}

Phil Everly's Son Jason Remembers His Rock Pioneer Dad by Patrick Doyle {Rolling Stone}

Phil Everly's Family Recall His Humble Life and Final Days by Howard Breuer {People}

Linda Ronstadt and others remember Phil Everly (1939-2014) by Randy Lewis {Los Angeles Times}

Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones pay tribute to Phil Everly {NME}

Bye Bye Love: A Personal Farewell to Phil Everly by Jane Heller {Huffington Post}

Phil Everly lent perfect pitch to brothers' harmonies by Jerry Shriver and Maria Puente {USA Today}

Phil Everly never got to soar as a solo act by Joel Selvin {San Francisco Chronicle}

Phil Everly: Harmony To His Brother's Melody by Sam H. Sanders {NPR}

Phil Everly: The Final Interview by Tom Lanham {Paste}

Here's a sample of some of the Everly Brothers best work:

HAPPY 62nd BILL!!!

Today would have been Bill's 62nd Birthday!!! That's right - if Bill were alive today he could start collecting Social Security... Rather than post just a single picture today, here's a link to a photo book I created shortly after he died to celebrate his life. Enjoy!

Click here - or on the book image - to view the photo book.