The Brothers Who Turned On Each Other
The Everly Brothers began writing their music in the ‘50s, and contrary to loud musicians of the time like Elvis and Little Richard, Don and Phil Everly were pretty “vanilla.” They had a clean-cut image and created music that was acceptable for all ages. But a twisted dependence on amphetamines caused their career to hit the fan.
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The Everly Brothers didn’t go around snooping for drugs; their doctor gave it to them. He claimed the pills would counteract the stress and fatigue of touring. But it tarnished the brothers’ wholesome reputation and transformed them into guitar-smashing demons. They even refused to talk to each other off stage. Their stardom slowly faded until they eventually broke up in 1973.