Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers has died

American music icon Phil Everly, who made up half of the rock and country act the Everly Brothers, has died age 74.

They were known for dozens of hits including Wake Up Little Susie and Bye Bye Love.

Phil Everly died in Los Angeles on Friday with complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

His widow Patti Everly said the family is “absolutely heartbroken”.

“He fought long and hard,” she said, noting her husband’s disease was caused by a cigarette smoking.

The Everly Brothers strongly influenced many 1960s groups and singer-songwriters including The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who early in their careers called themselves The Foreverly Brothers. They also influenced Simon and Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Hollies and The Beach Boys.

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. At the ceremony judges described their harmonies as “one of the musical treasures of the 1950s and a major influence on the music of the 1960s”.

Rest in peace Phil Everly. Here is a video of one of their classic hits, Wake up Little Suzie performed in Melbourne in 1989.