Ralph (BUD) Reed our 91 year historian of his late wife Ola Belle Reed. He still plays a mean guitar and yodels and sings 'Jimmy Rogers" songs. Bud started playing at the age of 6. That's 85 years of music plus in his lifetime.
David Reed, youngest son and great musician plays any instrument you place in his hands. Has played since his late teens. Also, has a real good voice for lead and tenor. Guitar, Banjo, Bass and more.
Ralph, Jr. oldest of Buds sons. A late comer to sing and play with the family but has always played music and sang with family at home and many Churches. Lead, tenor and Guitar and Bass even some banjo. All are keeping the Ola Belle Tradition alive.
Influences
My mom, Ola Belle Reed (song writer, singer, and promoter) who wrote "High On The Mountain", I've Endured - IBMA song of 2004 nominee, Washington Area Music Association inductee 2005 Hall of Fame. Also she is the one who took us all to every show she ever played while we were growing up. A home where NO ONE was ever turned away and music was 24/7 and a way of life.
I can't forget my dad, As all know him as Bud. He is my best friend even though we live 2000 miles apart I call him almost everyday.
At 90 yrs of age he still plays the mouth organ (harmonica), guitar and still sings. He is a great in his own right. Jimmy Rogers was his favorite and played and sang with mom all over.
Sounds Like
Dave and I live 2000 miles apart and still sing and play individually. Ola Belle taught us to do our own so we have but when together we still pick and sing with Dad and have fun doing it. We went our ways but still kept the old-time music alive. How can you not with both parents being such a strong presence instilled in us. Dad may be 90 but still plays a mean guitar.
June 12 Olabelle was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in Wilksboro, NC and Dave and I followed Doc Watson on our set. It was a wonderfull evening of events. Now June 24-26 we are at ROMP in Owensboro, Ky to patricipate with the Pioneers of Bluegrass Gathering. The International Bluegrass Music Museum does a great job with this festival and gathering.
Ola Belle wrote and recorded the song "White Flower" which tell of Mothers Day. So wear a white Flower on Mothers Day in remembrance of your mother on her special Day.
Bluegrass Unlimited Sept & Oct 2008 and Jan 09 talked about the Pioneers of Bluegrass and October issue in the notes and Queries about OlaBelle and Alex , Dad and a accurate account it was.
This year was really different. Dad we moved him to Wyoming to live with my wife and I to get him back on his feet. June Dad, David and I were invited to The 1st ever Pioneers of Bluegrass Gathering thru the International Bluegrass Music Museum at ROMP in June. Went to the OlaBelle Reed Homecoming Festival in Lansing, NC. then OlaBelle was inducted into the National Traditional Country Music Association at the La Mars, Iowa festival and found out we were featured on the main stage after the ceremony. After that a 2 hr radio show taping in Bilings, Mt. with Fred Buckley talking about Ola Belle. So here are a few random photos added that were taken and by permission we are using them. THANKS
In October the IBMM (International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, Ky.) came to Rising Sun and added Dad, Dave and I into their 1st generation "Live Historical Project", by filming us for 5 1/2 hrs doing it all about Mom - OlaBelle, Sunset Park, New River Ranch and all the old time music -- What a surprise for the family of someone who always wanted the mountain music passed on and appreciated. A recording with this interview will be out later through the IBMM website. Keep your eyes & ears open for it ?
Ralph, Jr and David are doing what Ola Belle Reed always wanted and that is to carry on and never forget our roots music and keep it alive. She is gone on now but let the strings do the talking for us all and keep passing on a tradition of home grown music. Several young groups are recording her songs and that sends the message on.
Ola Belle always wanted a place to share and preserve music from Ashe County, NC and Grayson County, Va. where she was born and raised. The town of Lansing, NC., is doing this in honoring her with the 4th Annual Ola Belle Reed Homecoming Festival.
Being born on the New River outside of Lansing she heard and learned as some say, Ole' Timey tunes, but we all know she brought this music to the forefront over the years and today is in very much demand by "The Rich and The Poor." People from all walks of life have told me personally how much it is a part of history and want it to be passed on. Music brings us together and somehow we can all relate if we will listen. Ola Belle never turned anyone out for any reason. That was OlaBelle.
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After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
It is a pleasure to have you as my new MySpace friend… I find your MySpace page, your talent and your enthusiasm for music pleason’ to many… I welcome you’re other MySpace friends to visit my MySpace page that I’ve dedicated to my admiration of many talented guitar playing musicians of many styles… Stop by check it out and leave a comment if you like… Thanks Ken…
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hey, Ralph -- J.D. here. I just wanted to say what a great time Amy and I had at the Ola Belle Reed Fest this year and what an honor and pleasure it was to meet you and Bud. We will absolutely be there again next year for the Festival! Take care and I look forward to seeing you again.
The Family Reunion's coming up pretty fast. We , as usual, are looking foward to a great time. I'll hunt you down as soon as I get there. Tell Bud and Dave I say "hello".
Hope all the Reed's are doin' well.. In good health.. 'n well, just enjoyin' your well-deserved fame & legend! You're always in my heart!! your ole pal, Mark
OlaBelle Reed Family my beloved: What immense joy to receive you as my country musical friends. Cordial thanks for your friendship and awesome music, voices are sweet and sharply tuneful as if it were CSNY at their best, vocalizing their unforgetable "Heartlessly Hoping" song. Congratulations on your so special repertoire I've been hearing out lately... make sure your "Six feet of earth" and "Tear down the fences" are two marvelous songs, the ones which have doubtlessly knocked me out. I was also both glad and surprised to learn you call your sound sertanejo, I had always thought it was a genuine exclusive Brazilian locution applied to describe very simple, rough, rural music, but only here in Brazil but now I can see it's got some meaningful dimension also abroad. Taking into account our songs seem to have the same roots in origin, European and African amalgamated nowadays, if you feel like please listen to my provincial songs and send me your kind comments. Please, accept a strong fraternal musical embrace from your Brazilian admirer,
Hey, wassup? Just dropping by to say hey and spread the love.
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As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith’s the star that we glance Attending Christ’s churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
