Ola Belle Reed

Ola Belle Reed was a pioneering Appalachian folk singer, songwriter, and banjo player whose music captured the heart and soul of mountain traditions. Born in 1916 in North Carolina, she grew up surrounded by the rich musical culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Reed was known for her clear, powerful voice and deeply personal songwriting, which often touched on themes of family, hardship, and faith. Her songs like “High on a Mountain” and “I’ve Endured” have become roots music classics, widely covered and cherished in the folk and bluegrass worlds.

In the 1960s and ’70s, Ola Belle became a key figure in the American folk revival, performing at festivals and recording albums that helped bring traditional Appalachian sounds to broader audiences. She was also known for her work with the New River Boys and her family band, which helped carry on her musical legacy. In 1986, she received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, one of the highest honors in American folk and traditional arts. Her music continues to influence generations of musicians and is a vital part of American musical history.