The Everly Brothers, fresh out of boot camp and back from their military service, took the stage on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on October 14, 1962. This moment was more than just a typical performance. After all, Don and Phil Everly were national treasures, blending their military pride with the legacy they’d already carved into American music history. The brothers had undergone Marine Corps training just months before, and their brief hiatus from the charts only made fans appreciate their return even more.
Ed Sullivan himself was known for championing musicians who brought something special to the American public. The Everly Brothers were no exception. Their appearance was a mix of nostalgia and hope, as they performed “Crying In The Rain,” a song that had charted earlier that year. Released in January 1962, the song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of their last major hits before the British Invasion would change the American music scene forever.
“Crying In The Rain” was penned by two legendary songwriters, Carole King and Howard Greenfield. This was a collaboration that couldn’t be ignored, as both had made their marks writing hits for some of the biggest names in music. King’s contribution, especially, showed a softer, more introspective side of the Everly Brothers, steering away from their usual rockabilly roots into a more emotionally complex sound.
“What made their 1962 performance stand out was more than just the music—it was their post-Marine Corps glow.”
The performance itself showcased the maturity the brothers had developed both musically and personally. Gone were the fresh-faced teens who sang “Bye Bye Love” in 1957. In their place stood two men who had seen a little more of the world and brought that depth into their music. The audience, as expected, responded with rapturous applause, recognizing not only the talent but the journey the brothers had been on.
For the Everly Brothers, “Crying In The Rain” wasn’t just a hit—it was one of the last great chart successes before the tidal wave of British bands like The Beatles began dominating American airwaves. But that October night in 1962, none of that mattered. They had a stage, an audience, and a song that tugged at the heartstrings of every viewer tuned in.
Looking at the audience’s reaction, it’s clear that this wasn’t just a typical television performance. The vulnerability in their voices, the poignant lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between the brothers took this moment from ordinary to unforgettable. Though they’d continue making music for decades, this performance marked a turning point, both in their careers and in the American musical landscape.
“Ed Sullivan introduced them as Marines, but the moment they sang, they were once again music royalty.”
The crowd could hardly contain their admiration, and as the song’s final notes faded into applause, it was clear this was one of those performances that would stay in people’s memories. “Crying In The Rain” had that unique blend of sorrow and strength, delivered by two brothers who had been through thick and thin together, both personally and professionally.
It’s easy to imagine the backstage buzz that night. Sullivan knew he’d delivered another unforgettable moment of television gold, and the Everlys? They walked off that stage with their heads held high, proud of what they had shared with the world, knowing that they had once again captured the hearts of millions.
“The Everly Brothers’ 1962 Ed Sullivan performance of ‘Crying In The Rain’ was more than a comeback—it was a goodbye to an era.”
There’s no denying that moments like these defined television history. The performance captured everything fans loved about the Everly Brothers—their harmonies, their sincerity, and their ability to take even the most heart-wrenching song and make it a timeless masterpiece. The next time you listen to “Crying In The Rain,” remember that night in 1962, when two Marines took the stage and reminded America why they would always be beloved.
