“Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers
“Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers is a classic rock and roll song that emerged during the late 1950s, a vibrant period for music history. Released in September 1957, the song quickly climbed the charts, capturing the hearts of teenagers across America and beyond. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, “Wake Up Little Susie” showcases the Everly Brothers’ distinctive harmonies and the fusion of rock, pop, and country influences that characterized their sound. The song’s infectious melody and relatable storyline made it an instant hit, solidifying the Everly Brothers’ position as pioneers in the burgeoning world of rock and roll.
The composition of “Wake Up Little Susie” is a testament to the Bryants’ songwriting prowess. The song is constructed with a straightforward yet lively chord progression that supports the rhythmic and melodic interplay between Phil and Don Everly’s voices. Known for their close harmony singing, the Everly Brothers’ vocal chemistry is evident throughout the track. Their synchronization and skill in blending voices provided a template for future harmony-based acts. The song’s musical structure, with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, perfectly captures the youthful energy driving the rock and roll movement of the time.
Lyrically, “Wake Up Little Susie” tells the story of a teenage couple who fall asleep at a movie date and wake up to realize they’ve overstayed their outing. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and youthful angst, as the couple worries about the repercussions and the impending gossip over their innocent misadventure. The verses effectively paint a picture of wholesome teenage romance tinged with the era’s social mores. This narrative resonated with the post-war teenage audience, who were navigating the complexities of freedom and responsibility within a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
“Wake Up Little Susie” had considerable impact during live performances by the Everly Brothers. Their engaging stage presence and vocal dynamics enlivened the song, captivating audiences and demonstrating their command over live performance settings. As the brothers toured extensively, the song became a staple of their setlists, often prompting enthusiastic audience participation. The Everly Brothers’ ability to deliver the song with energy and precision in a live context showcased their professionalism and further cemented their reputation as both recording artists and live performers.
The cultural impact of “Wake Up Little Susie” extends beyond its immediate success. At a time when rock and roll was beginning to challenge cultural norms and offer new avenues of expression for young people, the song’s reflection of teenage life and its moral subtleties captured the zeitgeist. Despite being banned on some radio stations for its suggestive themes—which, compared to later standards, were rather tame—the song prevailed and added to the narrative of rock and roll music as both a rebellious and relatable art form.
In terms of legacy, “Wake Up Little Susie” influenced numerous artists who followed. The Everly Brothers’ impact on pop and rock music, particularly through their harmonies, emerged as a key influence on bands like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Beach Boys. These artists have credited the Everly Brothers with inspiring their own musical styles and harmonization techniques. The song’s upbeat rock tempo, combined with harmonious vocals, can also be seen as a precursor to the jangle pop and folk-rock movements of the 1960s.
The song has been covered by various artists, illustrating its enduring appeal. Notable covers have been performed by icons such as Simon & Garfunkel and Linda Ronstadt, indicating its continued relevance across different musical generations. The ability of “Wake Up Little Susie” to be reinterpreted and remain popular decades after its original release underscores its classic status in the American songbook. Its catchy, playful narrative continues to connect with listeners searching for authentic musical storytelling.
“Wake Up Little Susie” remains a quintessential piece of the Everly Brothers’ catalog and rock and roll history. Its place within the cultural tapestry of the 1950s and its far-reaching influence on subsequent music genres and artists highlight its significance. At the intersection of music and cultural change, the song is both a reflection of its time and a pivotal influence on the future, a testament to the Everly Brothers and their lasting contribution to popular music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luEIq_ZdK3I
