Mount Airy in Surry County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Easter Brothers

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 23, 2021

1. Easter Brothers Marker

Inscription. The legendary Easter Brothers grew up here in Mount Airy, NC. their earliest musical influence was inspired by their mother and her "clawhammer" style banjo picking. Brothers Ed and Russell formed the Easter Brothers group in 1953 and were joined by their brother James in 1956. The brothers wrote over 400 songs. In 2013 the American Gospel Association honored the Easter Brothers for over 60 years of faithful service to Bluegrass Gospel Singing & Songwriting. The Easters have been awarded 3 Dove Awards as well. The Easter Brothers have made beautiful music through the decades and always gave God the glory for their "Music Ministry."

The mural was designed & painted by artist Tim White in the spring of 2021.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.

Location. 36° 29.977′ N, 80° 36.425′ W. Marker is in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in Surry County. It is on North Main Street north of East Pine Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N Main St, Mount

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Airy NC 27030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Earle Theater (a few steps from this marker); The Susan Pendleton Ashby Memory Wall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Surry County Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); The First National Bank Building (about 600 feet away); The Andy Griffith Plaza (about 700 feet away); Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park (about 800 feet away); Stoneman’s Raid (about 800 feet away); The Andy Griffith Show (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 18, 2025

2. Easter Brothers Marker

markers in Mount Airy.

Also see . . .
1. The Story of the Easter Brothers. The early gospel group, formed in Danville VA, where Russell and Ed had moved to work in Dan River Cotton Mill around 1951, was called The Easter Brothers and the Green Valley Quartet. This group also included several other relatives and Allen Mills (currently of Lost and Found) who played bass. (Submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)

2. Elder of the Easter Brothers passes. The eldest of the three siblings that made up the Easter Brothers passed away this week after declining health. Russell Lee Easter, 90, had been staying at Central Continuing Care in Mount Airy before his demise Tuesday. The Easter Brothers started playing together as a group around 1953, although they had been making music before that. Then the trio stayed together for an incredible 64 years before retiring. Russell was the second of four boys born to Jim and Lillie Mae Easter on April 22, 1930. He came two and a half years after the eldest, Simon, and two years before James, who is now 88. Younger brother Edd was

Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, August 10, 2024

3. Easter Brothers Marker

84 when he died on Jan. 30 of last year. (Submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 632 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on February 6, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on April 10, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 14, 2024, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.