Oscar ‘Red’ Wilson is a beloved and talented Appalachian fiddler who was born in the North Carolina mountains on February 20, 1920. Red served in World War 2 - where he was awarded the Purple Heart - and married Marie Greene after he came home from the Army, and they had two children and grandchildren. Red was born in Avery County, North Carolina, but he and Marie lived in Mitchell County after they got married in 1945.
Red was a highly-regarded and well-respected fiddler who could carry the emotions of a song all by himself, or he could join in with a full band. Over the course of his career, Red played in several professional groups including the popular Toe River Valley Boys. He has written many original tunes, and made numerous records throughout his long and and distinguished career in the 20th century.
This video features Red talking about his life and times, and features three of his original songs: Walking In The Park, Marie’s Waltz, and Margaret Randolph Waltz.
The interview and performance were filmed in 2003 at Red Wilson’s home and property, and produced by Chanse Simpson and David Biddix. The footage was shot by David and Chanse, and edited by Chanse. Roan Mitchell Productions is a collaboration of the two longtime friends and producing partners. Roan Mitchell Productions specializes in telling stories of the people and places in the Toe River Valley, including Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties, and the broader mountain region.
28 авг 2024
