Two Iowa-based musicians, Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliott, have embarked on an extraordinary musical journey. Their initial virtual meeting in 2020 led to the formation of the duo Weary Ramblers, which has since gained national recognition. After releasing their self-titled debut album in August 2024, the duo climbed the charts with impressive success. The album was ranked 22nd on the Roots Music Report's contemporary folk chart and 54th overall for folk music. This remarkable achievement highlights their unique blend of American roots music, encompassing bluegrass, folk, country, and jazz. With a rich background in music and art, Severing Fox and Elliott bring a wealth of experience to their collaboration, showcasing their passion and dedication through both live performances and studio recordings.
The story of Weary Ramblers begins in 2020 when Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliott first connected virtually. Elliott reached out to Severing Fox after watching her perform the viola on YouTube, inviting her to compose music for one of his art pieces. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they quickly bonded over their shared love for music and began collaborating remotely. As the world gradually reopened, they decided to perform together at a concert in Ames during the summer of 2021. The chemistry between them was undeniable, leading to the formation of Weary Ramblers in December 2022. Since then, the duo has been making waves in the music scene, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and heartfelt compositions.
Kathryn Severing Fox, now 33, has been immersed in music since childhood. She started playing the piano at age five and the viola at seven, growing up in a family where music was a way of life. After earning degrees in classical viola from the University of Miami, she toured internationally with a fiddle troupe and played alongside renowned artists such as Kate McGarry and The Beach Boys. Moving to Iowa in 2018, she found new inspiration in non-classical music and now teaches strings and piano tuning at Southwestern Community College. On the other hand, Chad Elliott, 50, has been involved in music since he was five years old, learning various instruments and writing songs. He holds an art degree from Graceland University Lamoni and has released over 25 albums in addition to his work as a painter, sculptor, and writer. Together, their diverse backgrounds enrich the sound of Weary Ramblers.
The creation of their debut album was a natural progression of their collaborative efforts. Severing Fox and Elliott had already accumulated a collection of songs before deciding to record an album. They carefully selected the strongest tracks from a pool of 50 prerecorded songs, refining them with the help of their producer and trusted friends. The result is a 12-track album that spans 40 minutes, recorded and mastered at Golden Bear Records in Des Moines. The album reflects their travels and experiences, filled with imagery of nature, love, and different states. Since its release, the duo has been touring extensively, reaching venues across the U.S. and even gaining international listeners from Australia and South Africa. One of their songs even made it to the radio in Alaska, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of their music.
With the momentum from their debut album, Weary Ramblers are setting their sights on the future. They plan to continue touring, including a scheduled trip to Florida later this year, and are eager to return to the studio to create more music. The duo hopes to release another album in 2025, further solidifying their presence in the music industry. Fans can catch Weary Ramblers live at upcoming concerts in central Iowa, where they promise to deliver unforgettable performances. The journey of Weary Ramblers is just beginning, and their music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.