Long before their harmonies were heard around the world, Don and Phil Everly were two young boys singing before school in Shenandoah, Iowa.
The Everly family came to Iowa in 1945, when Don was about 8 and Phil about 6. Their father, Ike, was a musician, and the boys began performing with their parents on live radio programs heard on KMA and KFNF in Shenandoah. By 1950, the family’s radio program was known as The Everly Family Show.
Those early mornings behind a microphone in a small Iowa community became part of the foundation for something much bigger.
The family left Shenandoah for Tennessee in 1953. A few years later, Don and Phil signed with Cadence Records, and songs such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream” helped carry the Everly Brothers to international fame. In 1986, the Everly Brothers became members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.
But they didn’t forget Shenandoah.
That same year, the brothers returned for a homecoming concert on July 5, 1986, which drew an estimated 8,500 people. Their concert fees were donated to the Everly Family Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for Shenandoah students.
And a piece of their childhood remains in town today.
Their restored childhood home now stands at 800 W. Sheridan Avenue in downtown Shenandoah. The house was moved from its original location on 6th Avenue and its present downtown site was dedicated during Shenfest in 2010. Inside, visitors can learn about the brothers’ Shenandoah years through memorabilia, archived photographs, displays and a documentary.
And there’s a timely opportunity to see it.
On Saturday, September 26, during Shenfest, the Everly Brothers Childhood Home will have special hours from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Shenandoah also remembers the brothers in other ways. Their story is represented on the city’s Iowa Walk of Fame, and additional Everly Brothers history and memorabilia can be found nearby.
Two little boys once got up early and sang on the radio before heading off to school.
They couldn’t have known where those voices would eventually take them.
But part of the journey that helped shape the Everly Brothers happened right here in Iowa. 🎶❤️
Deliverance Hope ~ Word ’Round Town ~ Worth Knowin’
Keep Goin’ ‘Round Town
There’s always another story waiting just around the corner.