Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers has died. He was 74 years old.

Everly died Friday (Jan. 3) from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a result of his lifelong smoking habit. His wife Patti told the LA Times, He 'fought long and hard' and the family is 'absolutely heartbroken' over his loss.

The Everly Brothers influenced rock groups of the 60s. The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Simon & Garfunkel developed their style, singing Everly hits.

Keystone/Getty Images
Keystone/Getty Images
loading...

The brothers toured with Buddy Holly in 1957 and 1958.  Phil was one of Buddy Holly's pallbearers at his funeral in February 1959 and was there when Buddy Holly got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
loading...

The duo was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Everly have the most Top 100 singles by any duo, trailing only Hall & Oates for the most Top 40 singles.

Keystone/Getty Images
Keystone/Getty Images
loading...

The Everly Brothers are best known for their #1 singles 'Bye Bye Love' and 'Wake Up Little Susie.'

NEXT: James Avery Dies

James Avery Dies

More From Big Frog 104