“Wake Up Little Susie,” released in 1957, is a timeless classic by the American rock and roll duo, The Everly Brothers. Composed of Isaac Donald “Don” Everly and Phillip “Phil” Everly, the brothers were renowned for their close harmony singing, blending country, blues, and pop influences into a distinctive sound that resonated with a generation.
This iconic song, penned by the prolific songwriting team of Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, tells a simple yet relatable story. A young couple, deeply engrossed in a movie, accidentally falls asleep and wakes up well past their curfew. The lyrics capture the ensuing panic and fear of the consequences they’ll face, particularly from Susie’s parents. The narrator’s repeated pleas to “Wake up, little Susie” convey a sense of urgency and youthful anxiety, striking a chord with teenage audiences.
“Wake Up Little Susie” was a massive commercial success. It reached the top of the Billboard Pop chart, and it also dominated the Country and R&B charts. This success demonstrated the song, and the Everly Brother´s, crossover appeal that transcended genre boundaries.
It also reached no. 1 in Canada and Australia, and no. 2 in the UK charts.
Despite its popularity, the song wasn’t without controversy. Its suggestive premise – two teenagers falling asleep together – led to it being banned by some radio stations, particularly in Boston. However, this controversy only fueled the song’s notoriety and contributed to its rebellious appeal.
The Everly Brothers’ tight harmonies, coupled with the song’s catchy melody and relatable narrative, cemented “Wake Up Little Susie” as a defining song of the early rock and roll era. The song’s influence is a legacy of this and can be heard in the music of countless artists who followed, solidifying its place in music history.
