Birthday: Phil Everly

Phil Everly (left in photo), one of The Everly Brothers, turns 70 today.

Everly was born Jan. 19, 1939 in Shenandoah, Iowa. His brother, Don, was two years older, and the siblings' father, Ike Everly, was a successful musician.

While they were growing up, Don and Phil Everly sang on their father's radio show and travelled with their father to play shows throughout the United States.

The Everly Brothers had their first hit with "Bye Bye Love," which landed at #2 on the U.S. charts in 1957. The duo later recorded other hits, like "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have To Do Is Dream" and "Cathy's Clown."

The duo quickly became known for their trademark harmonies, which influenced countless acts after them, including The Beach Boys, The Beatles and the Bee Gees. John Lennon was a huge fan of The Everly Brothers, and while Beatles producer George Martin got the band to mimic medieval style vocals in the verses of "Please Please Me," much of the song's harmonies are also influenced by The Everly Brothers.

By the time The Everly Brothers broke up, 26 of their singles had charted on the Billboard Top 40, and they still hold the record for most top 100 hits by a duo. The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986.

Phil Everly owns Everly Music Company, a musical accessories company, which makes guitar and bass products designed by Everly and his son, Jason.