The British musician was known as “Superlungs”
Singer and guitarist Terry Reid has died at the age of 75. No cause of death was revealed, but the English musician had been receiving cancer treatment in recent months, his rep confirmed to The Guardian.
Reid, nicknamed “Superlungs,” was an English rock vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist known for his powerful and emotive singing style. Born on November 13, 1949, Reid began his music career in the early 1960s, gaining early exposure as the lead vocalist for Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, a band that opened for The Rolling Stones in 1966.
Reid is famously known for turning down offers to be the lead vocalist for two of rock’s most iconic bands. He declined an invitation from Jimmy Page to front the group that would become Led Zeppelin, instead recommending his friend Robert Plant. He also turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Deep Purple.
Reid embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid, in 1968. He followed up with several other studio albums, including River in 1973, Seed of Memory in 1976, and The Driver in 1991. His music blends hard rock, folk rock, and blue-eyed soul. Reid’s songs have been covered by several artists, including Cheap Trick, Marianne Faithfull, and The Raconteurs.
He has also toured extensively, supporting major acts like The Rolling Stones, Cream, and Jethro Tull. Reid’s discography includes seven studio albums and four live albums. He has also been the subject of a documentary titled Superlungs in 2016.
Many in the music community have expressed their sadness for Reid’s loss.
“Cleopatra Records are saddened to learn of the death of Terry Reid, one of the greatest vocalists to emerge from the 1960s, and a great friend to the label as well,” the label shares in a statement.
“While Terry is probably best remembered for the things that he didn’t do – join Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, for example, despite being invited – the career that he did follow featured highlights aplenty, and we were overjoyed when Terry joined the Cleopatra family, appearing on tributes to Pink Floyd, Badfinger, The Beatles and The Who, and sounding as phenomenal in his later years as he ever did in his youth.
“One of the stars of the 1971 Glastonbury Fayre, Terry revisited those days for his final Cleopatra recording, duetting with fellow Glasto legend Melanie on a gorgeous, and heartfelt cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ for a single earlier this year.
“‘This was a great opportunity to look back and remember some really fun festival times,’ said Terry at the time. ‘And a special voice I always hear ringing across the meadows. Melanie has a very distinctive style you could love and recognize from miles away. One of a kind.’
“So were you, Terry. So were you.”
Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa states, “Goodbye my friend. It was an honor to get to know you as friend and a musical mentor. I will miss our hangs and stories in Palm Springs. One of the greatest to ever do it and a beautiful person and soul. Rest in peace Terry Reid. My deepest condolences to his family on this terrible day.”
Glenn Hughes adds, “Hearing the news of the passing of my longtime friend is Heartbreaking 💔 We were friends since the ‘60’s, & almost put a new band together. In my opinion, one of the the greatest Rock n Soul singers of any generation, and a beautiful, wonderful, soulful Boy. Rest easy my beloved brother & Sing on.”
Nashville studio musician Leland Sklar writes, “Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Terry Reid.”
