Terry Reid, the British musician whose soaring and soulful voice earned him the nickname 'Superlungs', has died aged 75, as confirmed by his UK representative. He had been receiving cancer treatment in recent months.
Reid never had a hit on the UK charts, but albums such as 1973's 'River' remain critically acclaimed. He was held in such high esteem that he was courted by Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to be their lead singer, but turned each of them down. Aretha Franklin stated in 1968: 'There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Terry Reid.'
Born and raised in Cambridgeshire, Reid was a singer, guitarist and songwriter from his early teens. By 16, he was supporting the Rolling Stones on tour. Yardbirds guitarist Jimmy Page asked Reid to join a new band he was forming, but Reid turned him down, recommending Robert Plant and John Bonham, who later formed Led Zeppelin. Reid also turned down Ritchie Blackmore's offer to be Deep Purple's lead singer.
Reid signed a management and recording deal with Mickie Most, but the albums were not commercial successes. After a contractual dispute, he moved to California and focused on session work with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley and Jackson Browne. A comeback in 1991 with 'The Driver' was not successful.
Reid's earlier albums became favourites of crate diggers, and he was sought out by artists including DJ Shadow and Alabama 3. He continued to tour but had to cancel recent dates amid his cancer treatment. A crowdfunding appeal was set up to cover his medical expenses.
Reid is survived by his wife Annette and daughters Kelly and Holly. Tributes have been paid by musicians including Joe Bonamassa, who said Reid was 'one of the greatest to ever do it and a beautiful person and soul'.
