Singer-songwriter and guitarist Terry Reid has passed away from the British powerhouse, once courted by Rock Titans’ Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. He was 75 years old.
Reid’s death was confirmed on USA Today on Tuesday, August 5th in a statement from his record label, Cleopatra Records. The company shared that “I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and collaborator Terry Reid.” The date of Reid’s death and the singer’s cause of death have been revealed.
“Terry wasn’t just a legend. He was a true original,” the statement read. “In his voice there was an unusual magic that could shake the room or break the heart. But beyond the voice, Terry was warm, funny, and totally himself. Working with him was never a business.
In recent months, Reid said “had been bravely fighting cancer and many other serious health issues,” according to a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of the singer.
The fall tour has been postponed due to his illness health.
Born in St. Neos, England in November 1949 to Walter and Grace Reid, Reid’s voice skills were evident from a young age. As a child, Reid accompanied a local orchard who worked seasonally in a local orchard where he was a fruit picker, where he accompanied him to a local orchard.
Reid entered the world of professional music in his teens, and at the age of 15 he joined the rock band Peter Jay and the Jay Walkers. During this time, Reid was featured in music producer Mickey Most.
As a member of Jay Walker, Reid embarked on a joint tour of the UK in 1966. When Yardbirds broke up, the lead was drafted by guitarist Jimmy Page, and the next group, the new Yardbirds, was drafted.
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Reid, who had recorded his debut album and was about to tour with the Rolling Stones, turned down a lead vocalist gig with the new Yardbird and proposed his song Pier Robert Plant instead.
“It was the perfect combination,” Reid reflected in a 2007 interview with the Independent. “What would have happened if Jim and I got the band? It could have been a bloody failure.”
The popular rock vocalist famously handed over the offer to replace Rod Evans, the lead singer of British heavy metal band Deep Purple. “It was very flattering. Richie (Blackmore) was a hell of guitar players,” Reid told the Independent.
Reid released his solo debut album, “Bang, Bang, Bang Youue Terry Reid” in 1968, and quickly followed it in 1969 with his self-titled sophomore album.
The lead songs are covered by a wide range of artists, including The Hollies. Crosby, Stills & Nash; Cheap Tricks; Marianne Faithful; Jack White’s band the Lacon True.
“Over the years, we have praised us for working together on several projects, each touching his soul and spirit,” Cleopatra Records said in a statement. “Whether you rethink the classic song or lend his voice to a new sound, Terry has brought something timeless and unique.”
The statement concluded: “We missed the late-night call full of stories, laughter, and passion and wild ideas. Terry lived the music. He was music.
Reid was survived by his wife Annette.
