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19th MUSIC MASTERS/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Tribute for The Everly Brothers 10/27/2014
 
  by: JoeS - Springfield, PA
started: 10/29/14 2:17 pm | updated: 10/29/14 2:17 pm
 
Every once in awhile, you get the opportunity to attend something special, emotional and lasting. Last week I attended the 19th Annual Music Master Awards/Conference/Tribute Concert for The Everly Brothers. I will cherish and remember the conference but especially the concert forever. When I think about it today, I have two distinct emotions, joy and a tear.

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At the conference we saw some very rare footage of The Everly Brothers, film clips from Germany and England not seen by many until the conference. The Brothers are seen in their pure unblemished state, voices like angels. What a true treat we experienced at the conference. We got to spend an hour with Graham Nash. There were about 100 or so of us sitting in a room just listening and talking him. His love for the Everly Brothers is genuine, deep and wide. When he heard about the conference he called The Hall and said' “I have to be a part.” When asked why, he told a story about seeing the Brothers in England in the early sixties. After the concert, he and Allan Clarke waited outside their hotel until 2AM and approached Don and Phil. Much to their surprise, the brothers talked with and encouraged them. He said it was the moment that changed his life. He also said that performers, just like the rest of us, have their heroes. The Everly Brothers are his heroes and someone he wanted to sound like.

The concert was held at the Playhouse Square's State Theatre. Opened in 1921, this 3400 seat Italian Renaissance gem has been completely restored. It was a complete sell out. The atmosphere was electrically charged, like a lightning storm.

With Phil's death in Jan. 2014, we were blessed to have Don attend the awards ceremony and tribute concert. This was a dream line-up. Two time Grammy winners Graham Nash and Peter Asher were joined by Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Dawn McCarthy, Vince Gill and 13 Grammy winner Emmylou Harris. Additionally, Keb' Mo'. Ledisi, Shelby Lynne, Allison Moorer, The Secret Sisters, JD Souther, Waddy Wachtel and Rodney Crowell performed. Last but not least was 27 time Grammy winner Alison Krauss. A perfect mix of the happiest and most motivate performers I've ever seen or heard.

With that cast of artists, it is impossible to do them all justice. There wasn't one shaky moment let alone song or performance. Let me say that Graham Nash was the thief who stole the night. His emotions were on his sleeve. He emoted and gestured like a symphony conductor as he sang, his face going from smile to grimace. He and Vince Gill nailed “Cathy's Clown.” The harmony so tight, so beautiful it almost hurt. Graham and Asher exceeded the maximum tensile strength rocking the house with "Claudette."

The heart-strings got plucked when the great Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss performed "All I Have To Do Is Dream." The harmony coupled with the emotion could melt a stone heart. Vince Gill teamed up with Alison Krauss on a soaring version of “When Will I Be Loved!” Vince could sing harmony with a drill and it would sound like a symphony.

There were two acts that you would not call household names. The Secret Sisters from Muscle Shoals, Alabama emotions got the best of them when they came out on stage. They shed tears of joy!! The comparison to the Everly Brothers is well-earned. Their harmony is seemless and effortless. After “Lonely Island” the audience gave them a well deserved standing ovation. “Omaha” and “Kentucky” were the purview of Bonnie “Prince” Billy & Dawn McCarthy. Next to Graham, Bonnie was my pick for giving the most emotional performance. He felt and projected his feeling for every word.

R & B artist Ledisi poured her heart and soul into “Sleepless Nights.” She was so happy with her performance and the reaction from the crowd, she danced, jumped and twirled off the stage. Keb' Mo' and Roodney Crowell hammered “Wake Up Little Susie.”

Now came the presentation of the Music Masters Award to Don Everly. He was overwhelmed by the 5 minute standing ovation and the joy of the performers. He gave a short heart-felt thank-you. Then the ensemble with Asher and Graham taking the lead hit it with “Bye Bye Love.” There was not a dry eye in the house. As the song neared the end, Don turned and said something to Graham. When the song finished Graham said “One more time.” This time Don joined Graham and took the lead, he was perfect. The audience sang our hearts out, no one left anything on the table. We were about 10 rows from the front and during the last “Bye Bye Love,” my wife went up to get some better pictures. The huge security guard was misty and notice my wife's moist face and said “I thought I was the only one crying.” He then moved the rope and said to my wife go get some close pictures. That sums up the performance, the performers, the audience and the ambiance this awesome night of the very best of rock!!!

The Everly Brothers have won it all. They are in the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Vocal Group Halls of Fame. Because they were in the first 10 inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they are considered the Mount Rushmore of Rock. Rolling Stone has pegged them as #33 of the Top 100 Artists of all Time. I think they sang the very best harmony ever by a vocal group!!

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