The Iowa-based duo, Weary Ramblers, has won the Overall Grand Prize and Best Country Bluegrass Song at the 2026 International Acoustic Music Awards for its song “Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue.” Kathryn Severing Fox of Creston and Chad Elliott of Jefferson released their debut album in 2024 and followed with “Driftwood” in late 2025. The award-winning track also features mandolinist Sam Bush of Kentucky. According to Elliott, the song was inspired by a rough stretch the pair went through while on tour. Elliott says, “We were touring through the Southeast. We both caught pneumonia on tour, but it didn’t stop us from writing. It was late at night as we crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky. We saw a sign that read “Bluegrass Highway,” and a full moon hung on the horizon. We just knew a song needed to be written. With lots of time behind the wheel, we worked out the harmonies as we coughed between verses.” The Weary Ramblers have pulled in some significant awards recently. They also won a Josie Music Award for Song of the Year in the Americana Duo category, earned Silver Medals at the Global Music Awards, and claimed top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. The group plans upcoming performances, including appearances on the Legendary Blues Cruise and the Durango Blues Train, with more musical tours in the works. Check out the Weary Ramblers at www.wearyramblers.com.
