A page with lyrics to two Everly Brothers songs, 'So Sad' and 'Like Strangers,' handwritten by George Harrison in 1960. The Everly Brothers were a great influence on the Beatles, and it has been written that 'Lennon and McCartney consciously copied Don and Phil Everly's distinctive two-part harmonies. Their vocals on "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me" were inspired by the Everlys' powerful vocal innovation on "Cathy's Clown,' the first recording to ever reach number one simultaneously in the USA and in England.' Harrison no doubt transcribed these lyrics so he could learn and perform these songs. "So Sad" was released in the UK in August 1960, and reached #4 in the British charts, while "Like Strangers" was released that September and peaked at #11. Both were big hits (and would have been written out by George) at a particularly historic time for The Beatles, who spent August through November 1960 playing in Hamburg at the Indra Club and The Kaiserkeller–for 106 nights !–then returning in December the Casbah Coffee House in Liverpool (owned by Pete Best's mother, Mona.) The songs are written on either side of an 8" x 6.5" sheet of lined paper. They have been authenticated by Frank Caiazzo, the world's foremost expert on Beatles handwriting and signatures, and his letter of authenticity is included. In it, Caiazzo states 'It is very likely that The Beatles were considering performing these songs live at some point, although it has not been documented they ever did…This is a very rare and historic early piece of Beatles music memorabilia, and one of the earliest Harrison lyrics in existence, making this item a very special George Harrison collectible.' Also included is a letter of appraisal from Frank Caiazzo, valuing the lyrics at $20,000. The lyrics were given to a young fan by George's father; she has written a letter of provenance that is included. These were previously unknown and have never been offered for sale before. Dating from such a pivotal period in Beatles history, and having come directly from Harrison's father, these are truly unique—and a great investment opportunity. (If these songs were Harrison originals, they would sell for at least 8-10 times this price.)