Terry Reid, the British musician known as 'Superlungs' for his powerful voice, has died at the age of 75. His UK representative confirmed the news, stating he had been receiving cancer treatment in recent months.
Reid never achieved a UK chart hit, but his albums such as 1973's River are critically acclaimed. He famously turned down offers to front Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to focus on his solo career. Aretha Franklin once said, 'There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Terry Reid.'
Born in Cambridgeshire, Reid began his career as a teenager with local group the Redbeats. By 16, he was supporting the Rolling Stones on tour. Jimmy Page of the Yardbirds asked Reid to join a new band, but he declined, recommending Robert Plant and John Bonham instead, who went on to form Led Zeppelin. Reid also turned down Ritchie Blackmore's offer to join Deep Purple.
Reid signed with producer Mickie Most, releasing his debut album Bang Bang, You're Terry Reid, which included the song 'Without Expression', later covered by artists including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Despite high-profile support slots with Cream and Fleetwood Mac, his albums were not commercial successes, and he split with Most after creative differences.
After a contractual dispute, Reid returned with River in 1973 and moved to California. He focused on session work in the 1980s with artists like Bonnie Raitt. A 1991 comeback album, The Driver, was poorly received. In later years, his earlier work gained a cult following, and he collaborated with DJ Shadow and Dr Dre.
Reid is survived by his wife Annette and daughters Kelly and Holly. Tributes have been paid by musicians including Joe Bonamassa, who called him 'one of the greatest to ever do it and a beautiful person and soul.'
