Cathy’s Clown, written and recorded by the legendary Everly Brothers in 1960, marked a monumental moment in the music world. This was not only the first song they released on the Warner Brothers label but also Warner’s very first release in the UK. The song’s impact was nothing short of explosive, selling a staggering eight million copies worldwide and dominating charts across continents.
In the United States, Cathy’s Clown held the number 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks and briefly topped the R&B chart for one week. Across the Atlantic, it reigned seven weeks at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart during May and June of 1960. This track remains the Everly Brothers’ biggest-selling single and crowned their career with a third and final U.S. number 1 hit. Billboard famously ranked this timeless piece as the number 3 song of the year for 1960.
The inspiration behind this poignant song comes from one of Don Everly’s personal heartbreaks—an ex-girlfriend named Cathy. The lyrics depict the story of a heartbroken boyfriend, dumped harshly by Cathy, struggling to stay strong while the world mockingly labels him as “Cathy’s Clown” for enduring such mistreatment. Don Everly’s unique touch shines through in the arrangement, which features an unorthodox song structure. The drumbeat and two-chord progression of the verse drew influence from conductor Andre Kostelanetz’s orchestral version of “Grand Canyon Suite.”
This unforgettable tune wasn’t just a hit—it deeply influenced other iconic artists. The Beatles counted Cathy’s Clown as a favorite, and during their early days, teased fans by dubbing themselves “The Foreverly Brothers” or “The English Everly Brothers.” They even experimented with this song in the Get Back/Let It Be sessions. Paul McCartney admitted that the descending harmony in their hit “Please Please Me,” where he holds a high note under John Lennon’s cascading melody, was a clever technique learned directly from Cathy’s Clown.
Paul McCartney revealed, “I did the trick of remaining on the high note while the melody cascaded down from it.”
John Lennon’s admiration went so far that he recorded a tender piano demo of Cathy’s Clown, showcasing the profound influence this song held over him.
A close friend revealed, “John sang ‘Cathy’s Clown’ tenderly in his demo, capturing the heartache and melody beautifully.”
The legacy of Cathy’s Clown lives on not only in its unmistakable sound but also in the inspiration it sparked among musical legends. Its unforgettable role in music history remains as vivid today as it was over six decades ago.
