Ramona Reed was raised on a ranch near Talihina and was yodeling by the time she was talking. From an early age, Reed knew she wanted to have a career in music.
In 1947, Reed participated in the Ted Mac Amateur Hour television program, perhaps the American Idol of its day. She landed a spot in the semi-finals and eventually earned 5th place.
Using the stage name Martha White, Reed began her career on the Grand Ole Opry where she worked with such greats as Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Red Foley and Minnie Pearl. She started working for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in 1951, and performed at the Bob Wills Ranch House and toured with Bob Wills on a regular basis. Reed is the only female singer to record a duet with Bob Wills, MCA’s “Little Girl, Little Girl.”
Reed continues to perform with the Texas Playboys and has been invited to share the stage with Asleep at the Wheel on numerous occasions. Reed has been honored by the Western Swing Hall of Fame and was designated as a Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Pioneer.