A family spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times that Everly had passed away but didn’t reveal a cause.
“Don lived by what he felt in his heart,” read the spokesperson’s statement.
“Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams … with his soulmate and wife, Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother.”
Phil and Don Everly, who are touted for pioneering the Beatles sound, were popular in the 1950s and ’60s, when they delivered hits like All I have to Do Is Dream and Bye Bye Love.
The brothers recorded about three dozen hit records that made the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Don and Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers.Source:News Corp Australia
The country music-influenced pair, known for their signature melodies and acoustic guitar playing, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, the institution’s first year.
Rolling Stone once described them as the “the most important vocal duo in rock.”
In 1997, the crooning duo were given a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys.
Phil Everly died in 2014 at the age of 74.
Figures across the entertainment industry took to Twitter to pay tribute to Don as news of his death emerged.
We regret to inform you that Don Everly of #TheEverlyBrothers has died today, August 21, 2021.
— Roy Orbison (@ROYORBISON) August 22, 2021
Roy Orbison loved them as friends and looked up to them as musicians. They helped Roy become a songwriter, move to Nashville and much, much more.
Thank You Don Everly#doneverlypic.twitter.com/bQBhJdZuTc
We have now lost Don Everly. Touring with Phillip and Donald was literally thrilling. To have the privilege of singing with their breathtaking iconic voices was one of the great gifts of my career. Godspeed, Donald. I love you. pic.twitter.com/Vr8c9ikWAY
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 22, 2021
Very sad day. Both of the Everlys were part of my musical life growing up. We were inspired by their wonderful records and their singing and their voices. Wake Up Little Suzie was my favorite as a kid. #DonEverlyRIP#doneverlyhttps://t.co/a4hH0i2vaf
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 22, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of #DonEverly. Without #TheEverlyBrothers, the Beatles sound and much of Rock History seems unimaginable. Don wrote this song and I like to think he & Phil are reunited & singing together in a better place tonight. https://t.co/DN6ydTPgQg
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) August 22, 2021
I’m sad to hear about Don Everly passing. The Everly Brothers were a big influence on us and we learned a lot from their beautiful harmonies. Love & mercy to Don’s family. pic.twitter.com/khH6kfaPmP
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 22, 2021
R.I.P. Don
— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) August 22, 2021
Of ‘The Everly Brothers’ who along with his brother Phil, wrote some of the most memorable & classic songs of all time…
Thank You for the Music 🙏🏻https://t.co/KOEU3Jxb7ipic.twitter.com/FKvceRdiAL
Don Everly, the best, Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/nXRB4jwDYu
— Anthony Field (@Anthony_Wiggle) August 22, 2021
This story originally appeared on NY Post and has been reproduced here with permission