Lou is arguably the most recognizable voice in bluegrass music.  He began his career in 1979 with his first professional job as bassist, lead and tenor vocalist for Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.  After three albums with Quicksilver, he took a very prominent position with the Ricky Skaggs Band, playing many different instruments and providing back-up vocals.  He played banjo on the first number one country hit that featured banjo..Skagg's "I'm Just a Country Boy." 

After touring 250 annual dates per year with Ricky, Lou decided to come off of the road to slow down a bit and take the lead singer and guitarist position with The Seldom Scene.  Working with John Duffey proved to be one of Lou's career highlights.  As a teenager and learning to be a bluegrass musician, John gave Lou insight into singing that Lou still calls upon today.  After spending six years with the Scene, Lou went off to work in Nashville with some of the top traditional artists of the day, Vince Gill and Vern Gosdin.  He also decided to start his own band with lifelong friend Terry Baucom. The result was Lou Reid, Terry Baucom and Carolina. 
After putting out two very successful albums, Carolina Blue and Carolina Moon, Terry left the band to pursue his own career.  In 1996, John Duffey passed away suddenly, leaving the Seldom Scene without it's heart and soul.  Ben Eldridge wanted to keep the Scene on the map, and bringing Lou Reid in to take John's place as mandolin player and tenor singer seemed the right thing to do.  Lou has now been with the Seldom Scene for a combined total of 25 years.  He has managed to not only keep his band Carolina current, but thriving. 

Lou is the consumate professional, a generous bandleader, and an all around entertainer.  His vocal work on his latest album, Calling Me Back Home, is a testament to the depth and feeling that have always been the underlying trademark of his music.