With his distinctive high tenor vocals and instrumental talents, Lou Reid is no stranger to bluegrass fans. During his career he has been a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and performed in Ricky Skaggs’ band. He has also performed with Bill Monroe, Keith Whitley and many more. He still performs dates with the Seldom Scene and the award-winning group Longview, but he also fronts his own band, Lou Reid and Carolina.

Their single Time has recently climbed to the #1 spot on Bluegrass Unlimited’s National Bluegrass Survey. Simultaneously the album by the same name reached #2. The single includes Lou Reid, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Harold Nixon, Ron Stewart and Randy Kohrs. Other guests on the album include Jerry Douglas, James Mitchell and Chris Wood.

I spoke with Lou and asked him what it was like to have a #1 hit, his first with his own band.

Having a number one song is just a great feeling! Knowing that people liked the song enough to help take it up the chart this far almost leaves me speechless. Although I’ve been in the business a long time, this is all new to me. We can’t thank the fans and DJ’s enough for their support!

Another first is also fast approaching for Lou and his band. While he has performed numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry as part of other bands, his own band will make a debut appearance on the Opry stage on Friday April 28th.

Getting to play the Grand Ole Opry with Lou Reid and Carolina is going to be another wonderful experience. Although I’ve played the Opry many times before with the Ricky Skaggs Band, this time I will be a little more nervous performing on my own with Carolina. For me, it’s a bit easier to stand behind a big Artist like Ricky Skaggs in support of his sound, but to stand on my own two feet is a much different feeling. With band members Christy, Trevor, Kevin and I, playing the Opry is a dream come true! All this excitement is a humbling experience for us.

For more information on Lou Reid and Carolina, visit LouReidandCarolina.com.