Oscar "Red" Wilson

From the northwest edge of North Carolina in Avery County, Red Wilson was steeped in mountain musical tradition from the start. His close relatives, Waites and Steve Ledford, taught him many old-time bluegrass songs from their large repertoire, and Wilson accompanied Waites on the guitar as the older musician played fiddle. As Wilson's musical interest grew, he learned to play fiddle and banjo and later performed with both Steve Ledford and Wade Mainer.

To keep up with changing musical times, Wilson learned to play contemporary bluegrass and country music. In the 1960s, Wilson played fiddle with the Toe River Valley Boys, playing for square dances at Geneva Hall and Penland School of Crafts. He later contributed to the increasing popularity of the Carolina Barn Dance in Spruce Pine, making the barn dance a successful venture for aspiring musicians.

After retiring, Wilson returned to the old time bluegrass that he loved, and he continues entertaining audiences either at his home outside of Bakersville or at festivals and music workshops.