By the time the Everly Brothers signed with Cadence Records in March 1957 (a deal midwifed by music publisher Wesley Rose of Acuff-Rose), they were singing teenage playlets crafted by songwriters Boudleaux and Felice Bryant overlaid with R&B rhythm patterns. They scored a string of hits, including “Bye, Bye Love,” “Wake Up, Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Bird Dog,” and others. They became Grand Ole Opry members on June 1, 1957.

In a sense, though, Don and Phil Everly were more important to Nashville. They were the first consistently successful rock & roll act to come from there. Their management and their songs came from Nashville, and they recorded there with local session musicians. In other words, they extended Nashville’s sense of what was commercially possible. Learn more at the Country Music Hall of Fame/org/artist/the-everly-brothers.

Lyrics

Wake up, little Susie, wake up

We've both been sound asleep

Wake up, little Susie

Well, what are we gonna tell your mama?

Wake up, little Susie

Well, we told your mama that we'd be in by ten

Wake up, little Susie

Well, what are we gonna tell your mama?

SOURCE: COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.org

Isaac Donald Everly

Philip Everly

Songwriters: Boudleaux Bryant / Felice Bryant

Correction: pre·dic·a·ment; noun 1. a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.