About the song
The Everly Brothers’ “Bowling Green”. A delightful tune, released in 1967, that occupies a curious niche in their illustrious career. Nestled between their early rock and roll triumphs and their later forays into countrypolitan sounds, “Bowling Green” stands as a testament to their versatility and enduring charm.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
The Everly Brothers, of course, were Isaac Donald “Don” Everly and Phillip Wade “Phil” Everly, those harmonizing siblings who took the music world by storm in the late 1950s.
Their close vocal blend, characterized by Don’s smooth tenor and Phil’s keening falsetto, captivated audiences with hits like “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie.” By the mid-60s, however, the rock and roll landscape was shifting, and The Everly Brothers found themselves navigating a changing musical climate.
“Bowling Green” emerged during this transitional period. It’s a song that wears its influences proudly. The gentle sway of the melody and the prominent use of a wind section evoke a bygone era of big band music, while the playful “ching-a-ling” backing vocals nod towards the country twang that would become a hallmark of their later work.
The lyrics themselves paint a picture of small-town nostalgia, yearning for the familiar streets and simple pleasures of Bowling Green, a real-life Kentucky town located not far from Don Everly’s birthplace.
This song is more than just a geographical homage, however. It’s a celebration of youthful memories and the comfort of home. The Everly Brothers sing of “sittin’ on a park bench, watchin’ the world go by,” and “walkin’ hand in hand down lover’s lane.” Their voices, imbued with a touch of wistfulness, evoke a sense of longing for simpler times.
“Bowling Green” wasn’t a massive commercial success in the United States, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ironically, it found its greatest acclaim north of the border, reaching number one on the Canadian charts.
Yet, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a specific mood and time in American music. It’s a bridge between the youthful exuberance of rock and roll and the introspective lyricism of country music, a testament to The Everly Brothers’ remarkable ability to navigate the ever-evolving musical landscape.
So, sit back, close your eyes, and let the Everly Brothers transport you to the charming streets of Bowling Green, a place where sweet memories and gentle melodies intertwine.