2018 collection. The Everly Brothers are not only among the most important and best early rock 'n' roll stars, but also among the most influential rockers of any era. They set unmatched standards for close, two-part harmonies and infused early rock 'n' roll with some of the best elements of country and pop music. Their legacy was and is felt enormously in all rock acts that employ harmonies as prime features, from the Beatles, CSNY and Simon & Garfunkel to legions of country-rockers as well as roots rockers like Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe. Phil Everly died on January 3, 2014 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; he was 74 years old.