Artist Bios

Lou Reid & Carolina

Born on a tobacco farm in Moore Springs, NC, Lou Reid was surrounded by traditional music and took up the guitar at age seven. He held a youthful interest in rock and roll as well as country. Making music had a profound impact on the young Lou, and he found the combination of traditional tunes with progressive sensibilities a natural coupling.

He made his home in bluegrass, bringing the best parts of these various styles of music with him. To this day, his music continues to mix the elements of bluegrass with the energy of rock and roll...offering a vibrant sound that still encompasses traditional values. As a musician, Lou Reid is revered for both his distinctive high tenor vocals and instrumental prowess. As John Duffey once said, "Lou is the master of whatever you need done." There's just about no instrument he can't play.

Lou was critical in bringing vocal harmonies to the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music as a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. He continued to earn acclaim with the Ricky Skaggs band. As lead singer and guitarist, he breathed new life into the already well-respected band the Seldom Scene (which he is still a full-time member as a mandolinist). He is also lead guitarist for the award-winning group, Longview, which plays select dates throughout the year.

An able, if often overlooked, songwriter, Lou is the complete musician. With his band Carolina, Lou continues to further his reputation with his brand of driving North Carolina style music and stirring vocals.

Find out more at Lou Reid & Carolina’s website:
www.loureidandcarolina.com