Weary Ramblers
with Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox
Photo credit to Matthew Terry.
Short Bio:
Award-winning Iowa Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with Chad Elliott on guitar and harmonica and Kathryn Severing Fox on fiddle, mandolin and more. Iowa Public Radio said, “Weary Ramblers are nothing short of an Iowa-based super duo.” Weary Ramblers were named the 2026 International Blues Challenge winners. In addition the duo was chosen as the International Acoustic Music Awards’ overall grand prize winner and received the Josie Music Award for “Americana Song of the Year,” both in 2025.
Full Bio:
Award-winning Iowa Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with Chad Elliott on guitar and harmonica and Kathryn Severing Fox on fiddle, mandolin and more. Iowa Public Radio said, “Weary Ramblers are nothing short of an Iowa-based super duo.”
Elliott and Severing Fox formed Weary Ramblers in 2022. They released their first, self-titled album in 2024. The album features famed performer Pieta Brown on two songs, “Hidden Road” and “Mend This Broken Heart.”
The Weary Ramblers album held the #1 spot on the Contemporary Folk Album chart for 7 weeks, according to Roots Music Report. Their song “Pretty Lights of Denver” reached #1 on the Contemporary Folk Song chart in addition to winning a Josie Music Award for “Americana Song of the Year.” The Weary Ramblers album was named a 2024-2025 Best Album by the Acoustic Project, which is a testament to the careful craftsmanship of its original songs.
Songwriting is a joint effort for Weary Ramblers. Elliott and Severing Fox can often be seen backstage wordsmithing new songs. They co-write all of their materials in an organic process that draws from life experience and stories from the road. Storytelling is a pivotal piece of their performance. Relating their adventures, personal struggles and getting some genuine laughs in-between are all part of the Weary Ramblers’ live music experience.
In 2025 they released another album, Driftwood. The album was recorded at Golden Bear Records in Des Moines, IA. It features influential, bluegrass vanguard Sam Bush on mandolin.
Driftwood hit #1 on the Contemporary Folk Album chart and #1 on Folk Album chart. The album’s song “Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue,” received an International Acoustic Music Award for best country/bluegrass song. And the duo was awarded the overall grand prize winners by the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2026. Plus, the album earned them four gold medals from the European International Music Awards in the Americana category in 2026.
The genre-defying music of Weary Ramblers has allowed them to earn accolades in many areas of music. In 2026 alone, Weary Ramblers received awards in Americana, bluegrass, folk and blues categories. They don’t fit a mold, but rather create music that appeals universally.
In the spirit of this, Elliott and Severing Fox traveled to Memphis, TN in early 2026 to compete in the International Blues Challenge. After three rounds in Beale Street music halls, the competition culminated in a performance at the historic Orpheum Theater. Weary Ramblers were awarded the best solo/duo of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. In addition, Elliott was named best guitarist in the solo/duo category for his performance.
Currently, Weary Ramblers are touring nationwide and writing songs on the road for their third album.
Awards and Honors:
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Entertainer of the Year - Duo/Group
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Duo of the Year
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Song of the Year - Bluegrass - "Roll on Rose"
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Song of the Year - Americana - "Driftwood"
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Album of the Year - Folk/Americana - Duo/Group
2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards - Semi Finalist - Americana - "Memphis You & Me"
2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards - Semi Finalist - Folk/Singer-Songwriter - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Album - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Duo
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Single - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Single Lyrics - "Driftwood"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Americana Roots - "Memphis You and Me"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Country - "Thousand Tears"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Folk - "Driftwood"
2026 World Songwriting Awards - Finalist - Best Folk Song - "Hang On"
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Band of the Year
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Band Single of the Year - "Memphis You and Me"
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Vocal Duo of the Year
2026 International Blues Challenge - Solo/Duo 1st Place Winner
2026 International Blues Challenge "Best Guitarist" - Winner - Chad Elliott
2026 International Acoustic Music Awards - Overall Grand Prize Winner - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue"
2026 International Acoustic Music Awards - Best Country/Bluegrass Song - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue"
2026 Global Music Awards - Silver Medal - Americana
2026 Global Music Awards - Silver Medal - Duo
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Entertainer of the Year
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Acoustic Act of the Year
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Musician of the Year - Kathryn Severing Fox
2025 International Songwriting Competition - Americana - Semi-Finalist
2025 International Songwriting Competition - Instrumental - Semi-Finalist
2025 Iowa Blues Challenge - Solo/Duo Winner
2025 Josie Music Awards - Song of the Year Winner - Americana - "Pretty Lights of Denver"
2025 International Acoustic Music Awards - Best Group/Duo Winner
2025 Unsigned Only Competition - Semi-Finalist
2024-2025 Acoustic Project "Best Albums" - Finalist
2024-2025 Acoustic Project "Songs of Note" - "Pretty Lights of Denver"
2024 International Songwriting Competition - Semi-Finalist
Albums:
Driftwood - 2025
Weary Ramblers - 2024
Chart Achievements:
#1 on Contemporary Folk Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Folk Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Iowa Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Driftwood" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Memphis, You & Me" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Driftwood" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Memphis Me & You" - Roots Music Report
#1 on Contemporary Folk Album chart for 7 weeks - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Contemporary Folk Song - "Pretty Lights of Denver" - Roots Music Report
#22 out of 160 Top Contemporary Folk albums - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
#54 out of 200 Top Folk Albums - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Sweet Hazel Green" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Pretty Lights of Denver" - Roots Music Report
Award-winning Iowa Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with Chad Elliott on guitar and harmonica and Kathryn Severing Fox on fiddle, mandolin and more. Iowa Public Radio said, “Weary Ramblers are nothing short of an Iowa-based super duo.” Weary Ramblers were named the 2026 International Blues Challenge winners. In addition the duo was chosen as the International Acoustic Music Awards’ overall grand prize winner and received the Josie Music Award for “Americana Song of the Year,” both in 2025.
Full Bio:
Award-winning Iowa Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with Chad Elliott on guitar and harmonica and Kathryn Severing Fox on fiddle, mandolin and more. Iowa Public Radio said, “Weary Ramblers are nothing short of an Iowa-based super duo.”
Elliott and Severing Fox formed Weary Ramblers in 2022. They released their first, self-titled album in 2024. The album features famed performer Pieta Brown on two songs, “Hidden Road” and “Mend This Broken Heart.”
The Weary Ramblers album held the #1 spot on the Contemporary Folk Album chart for 7 weeks, according to Roots Music Report. Their song “Pretty Lights of Denver” reached #1 on the Contemporary Folk Song chart in addition to winning a Josie Music Award for “Americana Song of the Year.” The Weary Ramblers album was named a 2024-2025 Best Album by the Acoustic Project, which is a testament to the careful craftsmanship of its original songs.
Songwriting is a joint effort for Weary Ramblers. Elliott and Severing Fox can often be seen backstage wordsmithing new songs. They co-write all of their materials in an organic process that draws from life experience and stories from the road. Storytelling is a pivotal piece of their performance. Relating their adventures, personal struggles and getting some genuine laughs in-between are all part of the Weary Ramblers’ live music experience.
In 2025 they released another album, Driftwood. The album was recorded at Golden Bear Records in Des Moines, IA. It features influential, bluegrass vanguard Sam Bush on mandolin.
Driftwood hit #1 on the Contemporary Folk Album chart and #1 on Folk Album chart. The album’s song “Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue,” received an International Acoustic Music Award for best country/bluegrass song. And the duo was awarded the overall grand prize winners by the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2026. Plus, the album earned them four gold medals from the European International Music Awards in the Americana category in 2026.
The genre-defying music of Weary Ramblers has allowed them to earn accolades in many areas of music. In 2026 alone, Weary Ramblers received awards in Americana, bluegrass, folk and blues categories. They don’t fit a mold, but rather create music that appeals universally.
In the spirit of this, Elliott and Severing Fox traveled to Memphis, TN in early 2026 to compete in the International Blues Challenge. After three rounds in Beale Street music halls, the competition culminated in a performance at the historic Orpheum Theater. Weary Ramblers were awarded the best solo/duo of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. In addition, Elliott was named best guitarist in the solo/duo category for his performance.
Currently, Weary Ramblers are touring nationwide and writing songs on the road for their third album.
Awards and Honors:
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Entertainer of the Year - Duo/Group
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Duo of the Year
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Song of the Year - Bluegrass - "Roll on Rose"
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Song of the Year - Americana - "Driftwood"
2026 Josie Music Awards - Nomination - Album of the Year - Folk/Americana - Duo/Group
2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards - Semi Finalist - Americana - "Memphis You & Me"
2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards - Semi Finalist - Folk/Singer-Songwriter - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Album - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Duo
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Single - "Driftwood"
2026 European International Music Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Best Americana Single Lyrics - "Driftwood"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Americana Roots - "Memphis You and Me"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Country - "Thousand Tears"
2026 Intercontinental Music Awards - Finalist - Folk - "Driftwood"
2026 World Songwriting Awards - Finalist - Best Folk Song - "Hang On"
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Band of the Year
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Band Single of the Year - "Memphis You and Me"
2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards - Nomination - Vocal Duo of the Year
2026 International Blues Challenge - Solo/Duo 1st Place Winner
2026 International Blues Challenge "Best Guitarist" - Winner - Chad Elliott
2026 International Acoustic Music Awards - Overall Grand Prize Winner - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue"
2026 International Acoustic Music Awards - Best Country/Bluegrass Song - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue"
2026 Global Music Awards - Silver Medal - Americana
2026 Global Music Awards - Silver Medal - Duo
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Entertainer of the Year
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Acoustic Act of the Year
2025 Midwest Country Music Awards - Nomination - Musician of the Year - Kathryn Severing Fox
2025 International Songwriting Competition - Americana - Semi-Finalist
2025 International Songwriting Competition - Instrumental - Semi-Finalist
2025 Iowa Blues Challenge - Solo/Duo Winner
2025 Josie Music Awards - Song of the Year Winner - Americana - "Pretty Lights of Denver"
2025 International Acoustic Music Awards - Best Group/Duo Winner
2025 Unsigned Only Competition - Semi-Finalist
2024-2025 Acoustic Project "Best Albums" - Finalist
2024-2025 Acoustic Project "Songs of Note" - "Pretty Lights of Denver"
2024 International Songwriting Competition - Semi-Finalist
Albums:
Driftwood - 2025
Weary Ramblers - 2024
Chart Achievements:
#1 on Contemporary Folk Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Folk Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Iowa Album Chart - "Driftwood" album - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Driftwood" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Memphis, You & Me" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Driftwood" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Folk Song Chart - "Memphis Me & You" - Roots Music Report
#1 on Contemporary Folk Album chart for 7 weeks - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
#1 on Contemporary Folk Song - "Pretty Lights of Denver" - Roots Music Report
#22 out of 160 Top Contemporary Folk albums - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
#54 out of 200 Top Folk Albums - "Weary Ramblers" album - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Sweet Hazel Green" - Roots Music Report
Top 10 on Contemporary Folk Song Chart - "Pretty Lights of Denver" - Roots Music Report
Links:
Website: https://www.wearyramblers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearyramblers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearyramblers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WearyRamblers
Bandcamp:
Driftwood Album: https://kathrynseveringfox.bandcamp.com/album/driftwood
Weary Ramblers Album: https://kathrynseveringfox.bandcamp.com/album/weary-ramblers
Videos:
Live: https://youtu.be/hxXJUrQElFE?si=jmVA0RnooL1gl_-b
Live: https://youtu.be/_XRK3xMJkGA?si=GgInjZHhbqoJYnrd
Live: https://youtu.be/AtJy_Wp9Q_U?si=QiGmaXBwz5O-Pm4i
Live: https://youtu.be/pID2L4vs9b8?si=rXjIMKaMUO7wpYtM
Official Video: https://youtu.be/0eTBY4rFp3U?si=d1xKfdOivFsF1PUi
Tiny Desk 2026: https://youtu.be/38nvuOmwoTc?si=zut4qSJ5oBVuc6FO
Stage Plot:
weary_ramblers_stage_plot_2025__1_.pdf
Press Quotes:
“Des Moines superduo Weary Ramblers’ sophomore album, Driftwood, has all the makings of a contemporary indie folk classic: whole-hearted, strings-y optimism, a few moments of bluegrass-twinged melancholy and even a couple appearances from legendary mandolinist Sam Bush…the musical chemistry between Iowans Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliott is undeniable — Driftwood's instrumentation and vocal harmonies are tight and precise, but sound effortless and carefree, like sunshine peeking through the windows of your quaint country home. In just a couple years’ time, Weary Ramblers have postured themselves as one of the premier acts in Iowa’s rich folk music scene.” - Iowa Public Radio of "Driftwood" album
"The album captures that wanderer’s spirit with lush production and emotional depth. Fox’s musicianship stretches wide — violin, viola, mandolin, piano and vocals — while Elliott grounds each track with acoustic guitar and harmonies that ache with soul. Together, they create what they call a “third voice,” a blend that is greater than either alone." - Katie Roche of Little Village Magazine about "Driftwood" album
“The Weary Ramblers will break your heart and change your life with original songs that cut to the marrow…it doesn’t get more heart-warmingly down home than this recently united duo, featuring Chad Elliott on guitar and vocals and Kathryn Severing Fox on vocals, guitar, fiddle, viola, mandolin, and piano. Both bring a disarming intimacy to their writing, singing and playing that will leave you glowing with reasons to be alive. Chad is a veteran of the Paradiso stage, having left us in a puddle…the addition of Kathryn increases the melt factor exponentially.” - Fairfield Muse
Website: https://www.wearyramblers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearyramblers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearyramblers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WearyRamblers
Bandcamp:
Driftwood Album: https://kathrynseveringfox.bandcamp.com/album/driftwood
Weary Ramblers Album: https://kathrynseveringfox.bandcamp.com/album/weary-ramblers
Videos:
Live: https://youtu.be/hxXJUrQElFE?si=jmVA0RnooL1gl_-b
Live: https://youtu.be/_XRK3xMJkGA?si=GgInjZHhbqoJYnrd
Live: https://youtu.be/AtJy_Wp9Q_U?si=QiGmaXBwz5O-Pm4i
Live: https://youtu.be/pID2L4vs9b8?si=rXjIMKaMUO7wpYtM
Official Video: https://youtu.be/0eTBY4rFp3U?si=d1xKfdOivFsF1PUi
Tiny Desk 2026: https://youtu.be/38nvuOmwoTc?si=zut4qSJ5oBVuc6FO
Stage Plot:
weary_ramblers_stage_plot_2025__1_.pdf
Press Quotes:
“Des Moines superduo Weary Ramblers’ sophomore album, Driftwood, has all the makings of a contemporary indie folk classic: whole-hearted, strings-y optimism, a few moments of bluegrass-twinged melancholy and even a couple appearances from legendary mandolinist Sam Bush…the musical chemistry between Iowans Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliott is undeniable — Driftwood's instrumentation and vocal harmonies are tight and precise, but sound effortless and carefree, like sunshine peeking through the windows of your quaint country home. In just a couple years’ time, Weary Ramblers have postured themselves as one of the premier acts in Iowa’s rich folk music scene.” - Iowa Public Radio of "Driftwood" album
"The album captures that wanderer’s spirit with lush production and emotional depth. Fox’s musicianship stretches wide — violin, viola, mandolin, piano and vocals — while Elliott grounds each track with acoustic guitar and harmonies that ache with soul. Together, they create what they call a “third voice,” a blend that is greater than either alone." - Katie Roche of Little Village Magazine about "Driftwood" album
“The Weary Ramblers will break your heart and change your life with original songs that cut to the marrow…it doesn’t get more heart-warmingly down home than this recently united duo, featuring Chad Elliott on guitar and vocals and Kathryn Severing Fox on vocals, guitar, fiddle, viola, mandolin, and piano. Both bring a disarming intimacy to their writing, singing and playing that will leave you glowing with reasons to be alive. Chad is a veteran of the Paradiso stage, having left us in a puddle…the addition of Kathryn increases the melt factor exponentially.” - Fairfield Muse
Press Photos:
Click image to download
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