Ola Belle Reed, born Ola Wave Campbell on August 18, 1916 in Grassy Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina, was an American folk singer and banjo player. She learned the clawhammer-style banjo from her uncle Dockery Campbell and sang old-time songs with her musical family. In the mid-1930s, Reed joined The North Carolina Ridge Runners and later formed The New River Boys and Girls with her brother Alex Campbell. Reed's songs often reflected Appalachian life; "High on a Mountain" was recorded by Del McCoury, Tim O'Brien, and Marty Stuart. In 1978, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Maryland. Reed suffered a stroke in 1987 that ended her performing career. She died on August 16, 2002. Notable posthumous releases include Rising Sun Melodies (2010), which won The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards in the Reissue category.
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