Ola Belle Reed – The Music's Over

Died On This Date (February 12, 2011) Bud Reed / Bluegrass Pioneer

themusicsover February 12, 2011 0 Comments

Ralph “Bud” Reed
January 16, 1918 – February 12, 2011

Bud Reed was a respected bluegrass and old-timey musician who will be forever linked with his wife and musical collaborator, Ola Belle Reed. After serving his country during WWII, Reed came home to focus on a music career, mainly that of his wife. He can be heard playing guitar and harmonica on several of her records. Over the years, the Reeds opened a handful of music-themed amusement parks in Pennsylvania. Legends likes of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley have all graced their stages from time to time. In 1982, Reed cut his own album, a tribute to the songs of Jimmie Rodgers. Bud Reed was 93 when he passed away on February 12, 2011.

Bluegrass Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (August 16, 2002) Ola Belle Reed / Respected Folk Singer-Songwriter

themusicsover August 16, 2010 0 Comments

Ola Belle Reed (Born Ola Campbell)
August 18, 1916 – August 16, 2002

Ola Belle Reed was a respected folk and old-timey singer-songwriter and banjo player. She got her start playing with the North Carolina Ridge Runners in 1936. In 1945, Reed was offered a slot in Roy Acuff’s band, but she declined. In 1949, she married another musician, Bud Reed, who played with her both on record and live for many years to come. Reed wrote upwards of 200 songs throughout her career, with a couple going on to be recorded by Del McCoury, Tim O’Brien and Marty Stuart. Over the years, the Reeds opened a handful of music-themed amusement parks in Pennsylvania. Legends likes of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley have all graced their stages from time to time. Ola Belle Reed suffered a stroke in 1987 and remained bedridden until her death on August 16, 2002. She would have been 86 the next day.