A little sneak peek into our earliest days.
Long before Deep South Phonographs, Corey and Shirlena—two little ones growing up in very different parts of Louisiana, yet shaped by many of the same values.
Corey was born and raised in South Louisiana, with a strong Cajun influence from grandparents who spoke Cajun French and shared a love of the outdoors. Summers were spent fishing, playing baseball, selling (and sampling) snowballs, exploring, and enjoying the freedom to roam. Music and dancing were always a part of life with a dad who played bass. The youngest of four in a close-knit family, Corey grew up with humble beginnings and an appreciation for the simple things—family, adventure, and making memories together.
Shirlena also from humble beginnings grew up in small historical college town in North Louisiana where her parents graduated from university. She and her mother eventually moved to Baton Rouge. Her parents’ roots reached back to a small farming community in Iowa, and while Louisiana became home during her school years, summers often meant heading north to spend time with grandparents and extended family on the farm. Those visits brought their own kind of farmland adventures, and an early appreciation for music, literature, the arts, and the stories that connect generations. Always surrounded by books and records, music always playing in the background.
Our childhoods looked different, but the foundation was remarkably similar.
We were raised to value our heritage, respect our elders, stay curious, and appreciate the world around us. We were fortunate to have the freedom to explore, spend time outdoors, discover things for ourselves, and make memories with family.
Most likely, that is part of where our appreciation for a simpler time, keepsakes, and history comes from.
The things we treasure today aren’t simply antiques. They are reminders of craftsmanship, history, music, family, and a slower time when everyday moments became a bit sentimental.
Along the way, Corey and Shirlena grew up, merged worlds, and are delighted to have the opportunity to continue adventures of Deep South Phonographs.