About The Song
Released in 1957, “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers is one of the most memorable and influential songs in early rock and roll history. Written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, the song captures the innocence and energy of teenage love, wrapped in the iconic harmonies of Don and Phil Everly. The song’s catchy melody, playful narrative, and signature sound made it an instant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country & Western charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the Everly Brothers as one of the most influential acts of the era.
The song tells the story of a couple who, after a late-night date, fall asleep in the car and wake up to realize they’ve missed curfew. The young man nervously tries to wake his partner, apologizing for their situation and asking her to pretend that everything is fine. The upbeat, almost comedic approach to the situation gives the song a sense of lightheartedness, but the theme of youthful indiscretion and the innocence of teenage romance resonates deeply with listeners. The repetitive line “Wake up, Little Susie, wake up” becomes a playful plea that emphasizes the urgency of their predicament, while maintaining the carefree tone of the song.
Musically, “Wake Up Little Susie” is a perfect example of the Everly Brothers’ signature sound—tight, harmonized vocals set to an upbeat rhythm with a rockabilly influence. The song features their iconic harmonies, with Don taking the lead and Phil providing high harmonies that add depth to the melody. The simplicity of the arrangement, with its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and smooth vocals, complements the youthful energy and enthusiasm that the song conveys. This formula of harmonies and upbeat rhythms helped define the early days of rock and roll.
Upon its release, “Wake Up Little Susie” quickly became a massive commercial success. It was embraced by both rock and country audiences, and its playful tone helped it stand out in the pop music landscape. The song was also a major influence on the emerging rockabilly sound, drawing inspiration from both country and rhythm and blues. The Everly Brothers’ ability to seamlessly blend these styles would go on to influence a wide range of artists, including The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
Today, “Wake Up Little Susie” remains one of the Everly Brothers’ most iconic and enduring hits. Its charm, simplicity, and catchy rhythm make it a timeless classic, still widely loved by fans of early rock and roll and doo-wop music. The song’s youthful energy and playful narrative continue to capture the essence of teenage romance, while Don and Phil Everly’s harmonies have set the standard for generations of vocal duos to come. “Wake Up Little Susie” endures as an essential piece of rock and roll history, celebrated for its joyful innocence and its influence on the music of the future.