Terry Reid, a dynamic rock vocalist with a strong voice, has died at the age of 75. He was receiving cancer treatments over the last several months. While having a prolific career in music, he is perhaps best known for turning down Jimmy Page's invitation to sing lead vocals in the band that would become Led Zeppelin.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Born on November 13, 1949, in Huntington, England, Reid began his musical career as a teenager with the band Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers. His bluesy, soulful voice soon caught the ears of the Rolling Stones. It led the band to open for the iconic "Jumpin' Jack Flash" group in the 1960s.
Reid Goes Solo
Reid went on to release his debut solo album in 1968, 'Bang, Bang You're Terry Reid.' The then 18-year-old's powerful vocals, particularly on his cover of "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), earned him the nickname of "Superlungs." Another song from the album, "Without Expression," has been covered by artists ranging from John Mellencamp, REO Speedwagon, The Hollies, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
He also opened for a who's who of legendary British rockers, including Cream, Jethro Tull, and Fleetwood Mac. Later that year, Page was searching for a vocalist after his former band, The Yardbirds, lost Keith Relf. He approached Reid for the job.
Reid Missed His Chance To Join Led Zeppelin
They say hindsight is 20/20, and that phrase more than applies to Reid.
When Page asked Reid if he wanted to join the New Yardbirds, which would eventually be renamed Led Zeppelin, he was touring with the Rolling Stones and Cream. Reid turned Page down because of these commitments. He then pointed Page in the direction of a group named Band of Joy, which had a lead singer named Robert Plant. John Bonham was its drummer.
The rest is history.
Reid was also asked by Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore to replace Rod Evans, who had left the group. Reid turned down that offer, too. He wanted to focus on his solo career.
Reid Eventually Became a Legend
Reid's solo output, particularly his 1973 album 'River', was critically acclaimed. However, Reid never found commercial success.
In the 1980s, he would collaborate with Graham Nash, Don Henley, and Joe Perry. Like all great artists, Reid's work was eventually discovered and covered. by younger generations. Reid's influence on rock has undergone a reassessment, but perhaps his greatest acclaim came from Aretha Franklin in the late 1960s:
"There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Terry Reid."
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
