Chicken House Opry Founders

Robert Earl Reed Sr PhD got his start in the world in Port Arthur, Texas where his Mom and Dad were living, with his Dad working in the shipyards in 1941. Bob. or rather ‘Punjo’ as friends and loved ones call him, has an older brother, Jesse, and an older sister, Mildred. His parents moved back to Lincoln, Arkansas in 1943. His parents began an aggressive campgian to get all of there childrien aclamated to the cold midwest winters.They lived on farms near Lincoln, Arkansas and Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Sister Sue, brother Ray and sisters Addie and Alta came along later. Punjo’s father – Robert J, or ‘Possum’ as he was called – is one of 16 children, 12 boys and four girls with RJ being the 2nd oldest boy. Five of Punjo’s uncles (Charley, Albert, Donnie, Shug and Jack) were tremendously gifted musicians, playing the fiddles, guitars and mandolins by ear. When he was five years old, Punjo knew he wanted to play music. Being the 2nd oldest of 66 grandchildren helped Punjo get better ground position to watch his uncles when they would ‘play music’ in his grandpa’s front yard. When he was 24 years old he signed a recording contract with Arco Records, a division of MGM Pictures in Hollywood. In all, Punjo has recorded 9 albums. One might  say that music and entertaining is in his blood. Punjo raised three sons – Robert, Jr., Donald Gene and Ronald Edwin. Punjo & Lucy are to be inducted into the Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame on September 3rd, 2011 in LeMars, Iowa.

Lucy was born the same year as Punjo, over in Louisiana. Her father, Ray Westmoreland, was an accomplished musician and Lucy found herself wanting to play music with her Dad. Her Mom and Dad set up a music teacher to come once a week. Soon Lucy was making runs and rifs on the piano that exceeded her teachers teaching. The lessons stopped. Lucys music continued, and in a big way. She would play for everyone. Lucy honed her vocals until her singing was the talk of the area. Lucy continued playing the piano until 1992 when she bought her first keyboard at a yard sale. She was invited to join Punjo Reed’s band in 2002. In 2005 Punjo decided to expand his comedy group ‘Ooty-Cooty-Pooty’ to include Sister Cutie, The Toots. There Lucy found her niche, a natural comedienne. So good in fact, that she has won accolades and awards deserving to someone who took entertainment to the highest of levels. She raised three children – Sharon, Trey and Billy. Best friends for seven years, Lucy and Punjo married on June 27, 2009. “She is the most talented lady I have ever known,” Punjo said. Punjo & Lucy are truly two of the most hospitable people in the country. “We’re just down home folks,” Lucy said. “Punjo & I love people, love to be around friends and we love to laugh. We do a lot of laughing, that is as it should be!”  The Chicken House Opry!

PUNJO & LUCY

Punjo Reed & Lucy Jackson, husband and wife, said: “We are truly blessed as we have so many friends and loved ones. Most of all we have Jesus who gave his life that we could have life everlasting.”

For quick contact to the Chicken House Opry call 479-970-5204  

Punjo & Lucy were each inducted into the Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame on September 3rd, 2011 in LeMars, Iowa. “Every day of my life is a holiday, enjoying life, love, comedy, music and friends,” Lucy said. “I wouldn’t trade places with anyone!”