JW Entertainment, Anaheim, CA
JW Entertainment proudly represents Blues Legend Buddy Reed & The Rip It Ups across the USA, Canada, and Europe.
With a legacy steeped in the raw, unfiltered tradition of American blues, Buddy Reed is the real deal—an electrifying guitarist, powerful vocalist, and seasoned performer who's lived the blues and plays it like no one else. Backed by his explosive band, The Rip It Ups, Buddy delivers high-energy, soul-drenched shows that leave crowds shouting for more.
Ivan Elmo "Buddy" Reed got his start playing the blues in San Bernardino, California in the '60s. Buddy, from Rialto, CA, is indeed "the real deal." Alongside George "Harmonica" Smith and he played in the house band at The Small Paradise (aka "Smalls") in Los Angeles in the late 60's, backing up Lightnin' Hopkins, J.B. Hutto, Pee Wee Crayton and many others. The band toured nationally with Big Mama Thornton, sharing the stage with Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Bo Diddley, Johnny Otis, John Hammond Jr. and more. Under the name Bacon Fat, the band toured overseas and recorded five albums produced by Mike Vernon for the Blue Horizon label. He made a few albums with Bacon Fat and worked backing blues/rock legends including Little Richard (which is why he calls his back- up band The Rip It Ups). After a stint in Little Richard's band, Reed struck out on his own. Working as a trio, Buddy Reed & th' Rip It Ups played saloons and roadhouses of the Southwest for the next 25 years.
From smoky juke joints to international festivals, Buddy Reed has earned his stripes sharing the stage with icons and inspiring the next generation of blues musicians. With decades of experience, countless miles on the road, and a deep love for the music, Buddy Reed & The Rip It Ups are a must-see live act—and they're ready to bring the blues to your stage.
