Legendary English vocalist Terry Reid, famed for his invitations to join bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, has passed away at the age of 75.
Terry Reid: A Respected Figure in Rock History
Terry Reid, a vocalist renowned for his powerful voice often referred to as "Superlungs," has passed away at the age of 75. The news was confirmed by his record label, Cleopatra Records.
Born in 1949 in the village of Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire, Reid's career spans over six decades, marked by significant musical achievements and notable interactions with iconic bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.
Early Beginnings (Early 1960s - 1966)
Reid began his career performing in local British clubs and joined Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers, supporting The Rolling Stones on their UK tour in 1966. This marked the start of a series of supportive roles for Reid, including tours with The Rolling Stones at Altamont and with Ike & Tina Turner, The Yardbirds, Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Jethro Tull, and more.
Debut Album (1968)
Reid released his first solo album, Bang Bang, You're Terry Reid, in 1968. The album showcased his songwriting and vocal talents, especially the song "Without Expression," which was widely covered by artists such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and John Mellencamp.
Interaction with Led Zeppelin (Late 1960s)
Reid is perhaps best known for his interaction with Led Zeppelin. He was famously offered to be the vocalist for a new band being formed by Jimmy Page, which later became Led Zeppelin. He declined the offer, a decision considered pivotal in rock history. He recommended Robert Plant instead, who became Led Zeppelin's iconic frontman.
Interaction with Deep Purple
While not as directly famous as his Led Zeppelin connection, Reid also had ties within the British rock scene that included indirect connections with Deep Purple. Specific details on direct collaboration or offers are less documented, but Reid toured and performed alongside various major British rock acts of the era, potentially including Deep Purple.
Signing with Atlantic Records and Later Albums (Early 1970s)
Reid signed with Atlantic Records and released River in 1973, which was critically acclaimed and showed his artistic evolution. He continued releasing albums through the 1970s, including Seed of Memory (1976), which later drew attention from notable figures such as Dr. Dre for collaborations.
Career Shift and Return (1981 - 1991)
Retiring from solo career in 1981 to focus on session work with artists like Don Henley and Jackson Browne, Reid returned to solo recording with albums like The Driver in 1991.
Later Years and Legacy
Reid continued to tour and was scheduled to play shows in the UK, Ireland, and Norway next month, but illness intervened. A crowdfunder was launched a week before his death to help pay for Reid's medical expenses due to cancer.
Despite being remembered as "the man who turned down Led Zeppelin," this description doesn't entirely tell the truth of the story. Reid produced two bona-fide classic albums, 1973's River and 1976's Seed Of Memory, which reinforced his "superlungs" reputation. He also sang on four tracks on Joe Perry's album Sweetzerland Manifesto in 2018, and an album of outtakes from the River sessions, The Other Side Of The River, was released to enormous critical acclaim in 2018.
Reid's career, marked by significant musical achievements and notable interactions with iconic bands, will continue to be a source of inspiration for musicians and fans alike.
- Terry Reid, known for his powerful voice referred to as "Superlungs," released his first solo album, Bang Bang, You're Terry Reid, in 1968, a masterpiece that highlighted his songwriting and vocal talents.
- In the 1970s, Reid continued to release albums, including River in 1973, which was critically acclaimed and showcased his artistic evolution in the realm of music entertainment.
- Beyond his legendary interaction with Led Zeppelin, Reid also had ties with British rock scene acts like Deep Purple, touring and performing alongside them in pop-culture events during the rock era.
- Terry Reid, despite being remembered for turning down Led Zeppelin, produced two classic albums, River and Seed Of Memory, which reinforced his reputation as a prog and classic rock master.
- In his later years, despite retiring from solo career to work on session work, Reid returned with an album like The Driver in 1991, continuing to captivate music enthusiasts with his unique riffs and live performances.
- Terry Reid, a celebrated figure in rock history, was set to go on a tour next month which included shows in the UK, Ireland, and Norway before illness intervened.
- Reid's career is an essential part of pop-culture, inspiring not just musicians, but celebrities and fans who followed his footsteps in the world of rock and metal.
- Despite his untimely demise, Terry Reid continues to be remembered for his musical contributions, including covers of his songs by artists such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and John Mellencamp, making him an enduring figure in the annals of music history.
