Songs Our Daddy Taught Us

Everly Brothers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B0000032CG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,247 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Released in 1958 at the height of their initial success, the Everly Brothers' second album abandons the rootsy rock & roll sound of hits like "Wake Up Little Susie" and "Bye Bye Love" in favor of the sort of traditional Appalachian ballads Phil and Don heard and played while growing up in Kentucky. Not surprisingly, the brothers' close-harmony singing style works perfectly with songs like "Down in the Willow Garden," "Barbara Allen," and "Roving Gambler." While there are no real "hits" here, Songs Our Daddy Taught Us is a solid record full of heartfelt performances--only the most stonyhearted listener could fail to be moved by their rendition of Gene Autry's "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine." --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appalachian Folk Music, January 13, 2003

By 

Owen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs Our Daddy Taught Us (Audio CD)

The Everly's cut this album of old (some from 16th century) folk songs to fulfill their 2 album contract with Cadence records while they were signing to Warner Bros.

What at the time was a smart business choice (they didn't want to release hits and have to compete with them on Warner) also turns out to be and interesting artistic choice. Of course, folk groups like the Kingston Trio became very big singing "folk" tunes but this album is more genuine, less [fake] than their pop contemporaries.

Personally, when I first bought this album 10 years ago I was sixteen and trying to expose myself to any type of music that was intelligent. "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us" definitely fits the bill. CD's have come and gone but this one has stayed, fueling my interest in Appalachian music and the power of the folk tradition.

If you like earthy, pre-honky tonk, pure country, with unapologetically sentimental tunes and a heck of a lot of country soul, you should take a gamble and buy this album.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relaxing historical saddened ballads! Unbelievable harmony!, March 29, 2002

By 

Rizzo (Nowhere) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Songs Our Daddy Taught Us (Audio CD)

Nobody can harmonize like the Everly Brothers. It is absolutely unbelievable the sound they have together. Influenced by their father Ike, considered a great guitarest and country performer, the Everly Brothers put a different spin on the traditional songs that evolved from the birth of country recordings. It was the '60s hit "I'm Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail" that prompted me to discover this CD. The song was originally recorded in early 30's by the Cumberland Ridge Runners.

Several of these songs are included in the Franklin Mint Record Society Greatest Country Music Recordings of all Time (LPs). Gene Autry recorded "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" in 1931.

The themes are love, loss, death, and sorrow. "I'm Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail" is a plea from an old lady to a warden begging to let her son out.

"Lightening Express", a small boy boards a train with a letter in hand from his dying mother. Lacking a ticket, a stern conductor advises the boy to get off at the next stop. The boys says, "I want to reach home and kiss mother goodbye before God takes her away."

"Down in the Willow Garden" certainly dates back to the 30s/40s when sung by Charlie Monroe, brother of Bill Monroe. The tragedy involves a lass who murdered his love, Rose Connelly, and the man always believed what his father told him "that money would set you free."

"Long Time Gone" reflects on departure, tears and sorrow. This music is unique, but what makes it so pleasurable is the sweet and delicate harmony of the Everly Brothers.

I enjoy this music for a melancholy afternoon of rest and relaxation. You can head for a nap, watch the snow or hear the rain pouring, these songs enhance solitude and peace. The harmony is amazing. MzRizz

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don and Phil at their absolute best, October 29, 2003

By 

LtCol Richard L. Jones (USAF-Retired) (Warner Robins, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs Our Daddy Taught Us (Audio CD)

I was a teenager in high school when the Everlys made their success in Rock and Roll. Like my schoolmates, I rocked along with them at that time. But my roots are in bluegrass and traditional music like they sing on this album. My family comes from the Tennessee hills. Even back then I recognized their brand of harmony as coming from this form of music, even when applied to rock and roll tunes. I didn't find out about this album until years later, which I regret. It is my favorite Everly Bros. album. You will enjoy it a lot.