Singer Terry Reid, recognized for his potent voice and approached to join iconic bands Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, passes away at 75 years old.
Terry Reid, a vocalist from the 1960s, has died at the age of 75. Known for his powerful "Superlungs" voice, Reid was more than just "the man who turned down Led Zeppelin" and Deep Purple. His career highlights included a prolific solo discography, influential live performances, and significant collaborations.
Born in the village of Little Paxton in Cambridgeshire, Reid came to prominence in the early 1960s, supporting acts like the Rolling Stones, Ike & Tina Turner, and The Yardbirds on their UK tour. His first solo album, Bang Bang, You’re Terry Reid, was released in 1968, featuring the enduring song "Without Expression" which has been covered by notable artists including John Mellencamp and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Reid toured extensively, supporting top acts like Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Jethro Tull, and the Rolling Stones in major venues and arenas in both the UK and the US. His live shows were praised for their energy and passion, contributing to his respected reputation among peers and fans.
Reid's influence extended to many prominent musicians. Aretha Franklin famously ranked him alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, while Joe Bonamassa admired his vocal talent. He maintained friendships with legends like Jimi Hendrix, gaining unique insights into the era's evolving rock scene.
Despite career setbacks, including legal disputes that stalled recording for years, Reid's artistic integrity remained paramount. He became known as an “artist’s artist” who prioritized creative control over commercial success. His performances at cultural landmarks such as the Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Fayre, and even Mick and Bianca Jagger’s wedding—attended by The Beatles and David Bowie—underscore his importance as a live artist in rock history.
In his semi-retirement, Reid produced albums for Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne. He released only one more album after The Driver in 1991, Variations On A Theme in 2006. A crowdfunding campaign was launched a week prior to his death to help with his medical expenses due to cancer.
Reid's legacy includes two bona-fide classic albums, River in 1973 and Seed Of Memory in 1976. He sang on four tracks on Joe Perry's album Sweetzerland Manifesto in 2018. Despite touring with Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, and others, his solo career did not flourish. However, his contributions to the rock scene are undeniable.
In 2018, an album of outtakes from the River sessions, The Other Side Of The River, was released to critical acclaim. Reid recommended Robert Plant and John Bonham to Jimmy Page for Led Zeppelin, but the timeline is unclear. He may be unfairly remembered as "the man who turned down Led Zeppelin", but Terry Reid's career highlights encompass a rich and innovative solo discography, influential touring and live performances with top bands, respected songwriting including songs widely covered by others, treasured collaborations with iconic musicians, and a legacy of artistic integrity admired by generations of rock artists.
- Terry Reid, known for his powerful "Superlungs" voice, had a prolific solo discography with his first album, Bang Bang, You’re Terry Reid, released in 1968.
- His live shows, appreciated for their energy and passion, contributed to his respected reputation among peers and fans.
- Known for his artistic integrity, Reid became friends with legends like Jimi Hendrix, gaining unique insights into the era's evolving rock scene.
- Despite not achieving mainstream success, Reid's contributions to the rock scene are undeniable, including his influence on Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, and Cream.
- In addition to his own music, Reid produced albums for artists like Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne during his semi-retirement.
- Reid's legacy includes critically acclaimed albums like The Other Side Of The River, which was a collection of outtakes from the River sessions in 2018.
- Reid's career highlights encompass a rich and innovative solo discography, influential touring and live performances with top bands, respected songwriting, treasured collaborations, and a legacy of artistic integrity admired by generations of rock artists.
