Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Don Everly’s family has confirmed that the pioneering musician passed away on Saturday. Don and his brother Phil Everly made up the The Everly Brothers, a duo whose harmonies and melodies inspired some of the most famous acts that followed them including The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Simon & Garfunkel.

Don and Phil formed The Everly Brothers in 1956 and recorded a substantial amount of mega-hits including Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, and Cathy’s Clown. In 1973, the brothers split up their group for some time, but reunited in 1986 and continued touring for their remaining decades. Phil passed away in 2014 at the age of 74.

“Don lived by what he felt in his heart,” a statement released by Everly’s family read. “Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams… living in love with his soul mate and wife Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother. Don always expressed how grateful he was for his fans.”

Watch a 1958 performance of The Everly Brothers singing All I Have To Do Is Dream here: