Today marks 30 years since the passing of one of the greatest songwriters of American pop and country music in the 1950s, Diadorius Boudleaux Bryant – or Boudleaux Bryant, as he was known.

Boudleaux, together with wife and writing partner Felice Bryant, are best known for the run of hits they wrote for the Everly Brothers -  a run that includes some of the most covered and played songs of the era. They also wrote the occasional track for Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, and , before that, a host of country artists like Red Foley and Moon Mullican, and Boudleaux would write by himself and with others. But it’s definitely the best of their Everly Brothers songs for which Boudleaux is best remembered.  Let’s have a listen to a handful of them.

All I Have to Do Is Dream

Currently helping convince Australians to play Lottoland, this one was written by Boudleux on his lonesome. The Everly’s version in 1958 was the only single ever to be at No. 1 on all of Billboard's singles charts simultaneously. Roy Orbison, Bobbie Gentry & Glenn Campbell and Cliff Richard are amongst others who’ve had hits with the song.

Love Hurts

A signature tune for both Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs ever written, this was another one that Boudleaux wrote by himself. Although he wrote it for the Everly’s, their 1960 version was never released as a single; indeed it wasn’t a hit until Australian radio programmers picked up Roy Orbison’s cover of it, tucked away on the B-side of "Running Scared", eventually driving it to #5 here. Nazareth, Cher and Rod Stewart are amongst others who have covered it.

Bye Bye Love

One of the great and universal teenage pop rock’n’roll songs that Boudleaux wrote with wife Felice, this was a massive hit for Everly’s in 1957.  It’s been covered by George Harrison, Simon & Garfunkel and Ray Charles amongst others.

Wake Up Little Susie

A great example of the teen soap opera set to song;  one of Boudleaux’s specialties, especially when writing with Felice. Another 1957 #1 for the Everlys, this was apparently also George W. Bush’s favourite song and the first single that David Lynch ever bought. Later covered by everyone from the Grateful Dead to Suzi Quatro to Alvin & The Chipmunks..

Devoted To You

Another beautiful Felice & Boudleaux ballad, and another 1958 hit for the Everly’s. Later in 1979 it was a Top 10 hit for Carly Simon & James Taylor in 1979; prior to that covered by the Beach Boys. More recently both the Seekers and Linda Ronstadt have recorded it. 

-DL