The first version of “The Air That I Breathe” is by the man who wrote it. Albert Hammond released it on his debut album It Never Rains in California. Hammond’s version wasn’t a single, but the second version was. It was recorded by the great Phil Everly, and released on his debut solo album, Star Spangled Springer in June ’73.

That version wasn’t a hit either, but it’s notable for the personnel on the recording. In addition to James Burton, Buddy Emmons, Earl Palmer and Dean Parks, the single featured keyboards and an arrangement by a member of Everly’s touring band, a 25 year old musician named Warren Zevon.

Zevon had been working in the music business since 1966, first as part of a duo, lyme and cybelle. Their first single made it to #65, their 2nd single flopped, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “If You Gotta Go, Go Now.” Warren would have marginal success as a songwriter, landing the B-side of The Turtles’ “Happy Together” with his song “Like the Seasons.” He also had a song on the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack, “She Quit Me,” though it was performed as “He Quit Me” by session singer Leslie Miller. By the early 70’s he was a member of The Everly Brothers touring band, even touring with Phil and Don separately following their break up. It was Phil Everly who suggested to Warren and guitarist Waddy Wachtel that they write a song with the title “Werewolves of London.” Zevon would appear on three of Phil’s solo albums before relocating to Spain, dejected over the lack of his own success.

While living near Barcelona, he would often play at the Dubliner Bar, owned by a mercenary named David Lindell. Together, they would write a song loosely based on Lindell, “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner.” Both of these songs would appear on Warren’s third album Excitable Boy, released on this day in 1978. “Werewolves of London” would feature Mick Fleetwood and John McVie as the rhythm section. Another song from the album, “Accidentally Like a Martyr,” included the Shakespeare line “time out of mind” which would later serve as the title for Bob Dylan’s ’97 comeback album.

Bob appeared on Warren’s Sentimental Hygiene album, and would go on to play Zevon songs nightly on tour in 2002, following Warren’s mesothelioma diagnosis. Zevon’s son Jordan said Dylan’s gesture added six months to his Dad’s life. Bob was the first to bring attention to Zevon’s largely ignored ’95 album Mutineer, often performing the title track:

Phil Everly would eventually reunite with his brother Don in 1984 and enjoy renewed attention, fronting an incredible road band including Albert Lee, Larrie London, and Pete Wingfield. Their first studio album after the reunion, EB ’84, featured a fine contribution custom written for them by former Wings bassist Paul McCartney, “On the Wings of a Nightingale.” Paul became friendly with both Everly’s though it was Phil he was closer with.

McCartney never stopped being star-struck around the Everly’s. Paul Simon also idolized them, and had them on backing vocals for the title song for Graceland. While in New York recording their parts, Simon threw a dinner party in their honor. Among those invited were McCartney and Billy Joel. Joel had never met a Beatle and was rendered speechless when he spotted McCartney. He approached Paul and offered a pre-apology just in case he acted too much like a fanboy. “I mean, after all, you are Paul McCartney,” to which Paul responded, “how do you think I feel?? Those are The Everly Brothers!”

Here’s Phil and Don, performing Paulie’s “On the Wings of a Nightingale”:

A pre-Excitable Boy, “Carmelita” in 1977 w/David Lindley:

TODAY’S PLAYLIST is a SomethingIsHappening homage to the great Warren Zevon, with his own performances and covers of some of his songs:

#EverlyBrothers #PaulMcCartney #WarrenZevon #WerewolvesOfLondon #TheAirThatIBreathe #BobDylan #Graceland #PaulSimon