The Everly Brothers: Harmonies from Heaven

This "Harmonies From Heaven" DVD is a 60-minute rockumentary (with 30 minutes of extras) that looks back at the music careers of the Everly Brothers (Phil and Don) and their overall influence on rock'n'roll in the years that followed their final musical peak in the mid-1960's.

Originally from Shenandoah, Iowa - Phil and Don Everly are not only notable for their often-imitated, syncopated harmonies - But, their clean-cut, wholesome "boys-next-door" image was greatly admired by their teenage fans and respected by parents who were concerned about the overall negative influence of rock'n'roll on their kids.

Through stills, archival footage, and rock-celebrity interviews - "Harmonies From Heaven" is generally a nostalgic look back to the earlier, less complicated, and more quieter days of pop music.

What can you say about these guys that hasn't already been said? Not even the most peripheral rock 'n' roller should need an explanation regarding how the two young Kentucky- bred brothers placed their stamp upon the sounds of the Sixties. These guys were awesome together. Their music was like breath of fresh air. Timeless, pure magic, with perfect harmonies. I think even people who don't know their music will enjoy this beautiful documentary.

The doc focuses on their career in the late fifties and early sixties when Phil and Don Everly were one of the biggest acts in the world. I loved the interviews with Don, Art Garfunkel and Keith Richards, with Richards declaring Don one of the best acoustic rhythm guitarists he ever heard. I found lots of good info here from a clutch of talking heads including rock writers and music executives, along with clips taken from American and British TV shows.

Watching this I realized that the joint duo singing and harmonizing since the beginning, was used by later rock'n'roll British groups, such as The Beatles. Just take a look at Paul and George using the same mike, exactly like Don and Phil did years before. Great performances can be a tear-jerk-er when you realize there are no more. Bitter sweet. Sad to think that Phil has left us. I recommend this highly.

A documentary on the Don and Phil Everly, the brothers who, as The Everly Brothers, were at the forefront of the rock 'n roll revolution. They would go to influence such groups as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as well as just about every pop or rock artist thereafter.

An interesting and edifying documentary. Shows well the history of The Everly Brothers, their influences, what made them so good and the mark they left on music. Interviews are largely constructive though there are a few cheerleading moments (i.e. interviewees just praising The Everly Brothers without saying anything useful). There are interviews with Don and Phil Everly themselves, which is very helpful.

Worth watching to know more about a seminal band in music history, a band which doesn't tend to get the credit it deserves.