About the Song
Released in March 1957, “Bye Bye Love” was penned by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. They published it the same year. American country-influenced rock & roll duo Everly Brothers is the most famous artist who recorded the song. Interestingly, the songwriters originally offered the piece to over 30 different artists but it was rejected. It then made its way to the Everly Brothers who made it one of their debut recordings and produced for Cadence Records.
In addition, “Bye Bye Love” entered both pop and country charts. In 1957, it peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Pop charts while reaching no. 1 on the Cash Box Best Selling Record charts. On the other hand, the song enjoyed equal popularity on the country charts as it placed no. 1 in the spring of the same year.
Overall, the Rolling Stone magazine ranked Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love” 210th on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Story Behind the Song
The song did not start as it was expected. In fact, it was rejected many times by numerous artists who thought that the song was unsuitable and inappropriate. Luckily, in 1957, the couple songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant found the budding artists, the Everly Brothers. Excited for their debut recording, the duo immediately recorded the song. As a matter of fact, it became their first hit to be no. 1 in both the U. K. and the U. S.
Moreover, the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant later wrote more top hits of the duo such as “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.” To note, the Bryants are known as being the first songwriters to come to Nashville and make a living only by writing songs.
In an interview with Country Music People in 1981, Boudleaux revealed something about the creation of the song. He recalled:
“I wrote ‘Bye Bye Love’ while traveling home one night. Felice was driving down the highway and I got the first verse and chorus right down there. I always make sure I have a pen and paper in the car for these occasions.”
Moreover, he said:
“We really believed in the song and were disappointed when so many people turned it down. They said it was unsuitable, some even asked if we have anything better!”
WATCH: The Everly Brothers perform their 1957 hit onstage at their live concert in 1983.
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bye bye love, everly brothers, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant