Legendary Vocalist Phil Everly Dies at 74

Phil Everly, who made up one half of the legendary group The Everly Brothers, has died. He was 74.

Phil's passing was reportedly due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The late musician's wife Patti confirmed the news to the Los Angeles Times, saying, "We are absolutely heartbroken. He fought long and hard." Patti admitted that her husband's death came as a result of a lifetime of cigarette smoking.

Phil and his brother Don formed one of the most influential vocal duos of the 20th century with hits such as Wake Up Little Susie, Bye Bye Love, Cathy's Clown, When Will I Be Loved and All I Have to Do is Dream.

The Everly Brothers are a part of both the Rock & Roll and Country Music Hall of Fames, and their work is said to have influenced The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys and Simon & Garfunkel.

"When you talk about harmony singing in the popular music of the postwar period, the first place you start is the Everly Brothers," Robert Santelli, executive director of the Grammy Museum told the LA Times. "You could say they were the vocal link between all the 1950s great doo wop groups and what would come in the 1960s with the Beach Boys and the Beatles. They showed the Beach Boys and the Beatles how to sing harmony and incorporate that into a pop music form that was irresistible."