"RED LANE"

A Musical Journey with "Red" Lane Ashworth

Red Lane dedicated is life to becoming the ultimate entertainer and consummate musical performer. Red Lane never met a stranger and he always worked the audience. As the crowd entered the room, Red would call out their names and their favorite tunes over his microphone. Wherever Red was performing, Red would invite the audience in, by calling out…"COME IN THIS HOUSE" over the P.A. System. Instead of a dance or a concert, the event felt more like the Red Lane Social Club, where the audience felt like family.

During his youth, Red Lane performed on an early morning radio show on WSB 750 AM in Atlanta, Georgia. Red played bass on live radio shows with older musicians who taught him the ropes of performing and of entertaining. After graduating from high school, Red Lane joined the U.S. Army which led to his conducting the 2nd Army Division 120 piece 122nd Army Band at Fort Benning, Georgia. For extra money Red would play up right bass with a musical combo in Phoenix City, Alabama. At Fort Knox, Kentucky, Red conducted the 158th Army Band and for extra money he would perform at the American Legion Hall in Elizabeth or "E Town" Kentucky.

While serving in the U.S. Army, Red participated in Atomic Bomb tests at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada. Red became a glowing example of how to reach any musical goal, not necessarily due to the Atomic Bomb tests, rather by using of his musical talent, drive and personality.

Red Lane toured the country for 18 years, performing floor shows in such places as Lake Tahoe, Reno and Las Vegas. Performing in Las Vegas, Red Lane was the opening act for night club singers, for traveling orchestras and for major stars.

Red Lane also performed with his comedy group billed as, Red Lane and the Hot Shots. Settling in Pensacola, Florida, Red Lane played for years at the Kings Inn as the cornerstone of Pensacola society music, performing standard tunes as well as Ballroom Dance music. Over the years Red performed for the Over 55 Ballroom Dance Club at the Senior Center in Bayview Park and with Pensacola piano legend Al Martin.

Watching many of the musicians with whom Red Lane worked with and tutored, go on to excel with their musical careers, became one of the greatest joys of Red's life. Their success put a smile on Red Lane's face and a song in his heart.