Geneva Red is one of the top female instrumentalists performing on the "blues harp" as well as leading her own band, The Roadsters. Red was born and raised in a small town just outside of Chicago, Illinois. She grew up performing in musical shows somewhat like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and other show business performers had in their early years. Both her parents were actors and made their living operating a small theatre troupe. Red was encouraged to perform in this troupe from the time she could walk.