Atkins: ‘Typical Brothers’

Before the Everly Brothers became a trademark for hit songs and sublime harmony singing, Chet Atkins knew them as two teenagers taking their first steps toward a recording career.

Atkins, the legendary guitarist and record producer, knew their father, Ike, and invited the Everlys to Nashville when Don was 17 and Phil 15. Atkins played guitar on many of their hits.

“They were typical brothers. Back when I first knew them, they fussed a lot with each other and disagreed,” Atkins, 74, said of those early days. “Through all of it, they love each other,” Atkins continued, noting that he remains in touch with both Everlys. “They haven’t told me that, but I can judge that by the way they talk about each other.”