Cathy’s Clown, written and recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1960, marked a monumental moment not only for the iconic duo but also in music history. This song was the first to be released by The Everly Brothers on the prestigious Warner Brothers label, and notably, it was also Warner Brothers’ very first release in the UK. The magnitude of its success is staggering, having sold eight million copies worldwide, and dominating the charts by sitting atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, along with a week on the R&B chart. Across the Atlantic, it reigned for seven weeks at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart during May and June 1960, sealing its status as the Everly Brothers’ biggest-selling single and their third and final US number 1 hit. The song’s brilliance was further recognized by Billboard, which ranked it as the number 3 song of the year in 1960.
The inspiration behind this unforgettable hit came from one of Don Everly’s ex-girlfriends. The lyrics unravel the poignant story of a boyfriend who is dumped by Cathy. Despite his attempts to act strong, the world mockingly calls him “Cathy’s Clown” due to the cruel way he has been treated by her. Don Everly himself crafted the song’s unique arrangement, showcasing an unorthodox structure where the drumbeat and the two-chord progression of the verse drew influence from conductor Andre Kostelanetz’s rendition of “Grand Canyon Suite”.
The song wasn’t just a chart-topper but also a huge influence on one of the greatest bands in history, The Beatles. Early in their career, The Beatles jokingly considered naming themselves The Foreverly Brothers and even affectionately called themselves “The English Everly Brothers.” The Beatles experimented with “Cathy’s Clown” during their iconic Get Back/Let It Be sessions. Both John Lennon and Paul McCartney admitted that the distinctive descending harmony in their hit “Please Please Me” took direct inspiration from “Cathy’s Clown.” Paul explained,
“I did the trick of remaining on the high note while the melody cascaded down from it.”
John Lennon even recorded a tender piano demo singing “Cathy’s Clown,” showing how deeply the song resonated with him.
This piece of music history is visually preserved and accessible through a captivating video, officially available on YouTube, capturing the essence of the classic 1960 hit that still echoes powerfully in the hearts of old and new generations alike.
