"I've always been a Rambler", Ola Belle Reed

This way: I've always been a Rambler

Ola Belle Reed (August 18, 1916 – August 16, 2002) was an American folk singer, songwriter and banjo player.

When she was a teenager, Reed's family moved to Southern Pennsylvania. In the mid-1930s, Reed joined The North Carolina Ridge Runners. She later formed the band, The New River Boys and Girls, with her brother, Alex Campbell, which went on to open the New River Ranch in Rising Sun, Maryland, a music park that hosted many well known performers until being destroyed in 1958. They went on to be the "house band" and broadcast live shows at another music park called Sunset Park in West Grove, Pennsylvania.

Reed's songs often speak of Appalachian life and traditions. Her best-known songs have been recorded by mainstream bluegrass and country artists. "High on a Mountain" has been recorded by Del McCoury, Tim O'Brien, and Marty Stuart; "I've Endured" has been recorded by Del McCoury as well as Tim O'Brien. The New York-based folk music group Ollabelle is named after Reed.

[Spotify] I've always been a Rambler

[A nice cover, Clifton Hicks & Jake Book] I've always been a Rambler