And so another treasured part of our youth has gone. When I first heard the Everly Brothers in 1957, they were a total inspiration. I wanted to be able to strum a guitar like Don and Phil. That was just about possible, but no-one could hope to match their smooth, seamless harmonies, the soaring quality of their combined and solo voices. This was one of my all-time Everly favourites, because it brings back so many memories. As a young 17 year old Merchant Sailor in 1960, I recall braving a blizzard to go ashore in St. John's, New Brunswick in Canada. I made it as far as a traditional diner called Garr's. It was just like the movies; the long counter, the chrome-trimmed bar stools, the red leather partitioned seats, each cosy corner with its own juke box extension. As I waited for my coffee and hamburger, the snow melting on my shoulders, So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) caressed my frozen ears like warm chocolate. I played it a further four times on the juke box that day, and every time I hear it, I'm that teenager again, in a far away land, dreaming of girls and the future. And now, the Everly Brothers will sing no more. Nothing lasts forever, but with records it can sometimes seem that way. Thus we all have a soundtrack to our youth. The Everlys were part of mine. RIP, Phil, and thank you, and commiserations to Don. Bye Bye, Love? Not whilst your records exist.
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