Last Updated on 2 months by Vijay Kumar
Terry Reid, often referred to as “Superlungs” for his powerful voice, was a British rock vocalist and guitarist best known for his soulful blend of blues, rock, and R&B. Despite being one of the most talented musicians of his generation, Reid is perhaps most famously known as “the man who turned down Led Zeppelin.” His career spanned over five decades, filled with collaborations, solo success, and near-mythical status in the world of rock.
| Full Name | Terence James Reid |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Terry Reid |
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist |
| Known For | Turning down Led Zeppelin, album “River” |
| Genres | Rock, Soul, Blues |
| Date of Death | August 5, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure |
Terry Reid – Early Life
His full name was Terence James Reid born on November 13, 1949 in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England. Terry grew up in the UK during a time when British rock and blues were flourishing. He showed early interest in music and was a self-taught guitarist by his teenage years. By 15, he was already performing in bands, and it became evident that his voice had a rare power and range that set him apart.
Terry Reid – Career
At age 15, Reid joined Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers as a vocalist. His talent quickly attracted industry attention, and by the late 1960s, he was opening for major acts like The Rolling Stones and Cream.
In 1968, Jimmy Page asked Reid to be the lead singer of a new band he was forming — which later became Led Zeppelin. Reid declined due to prior tour commitments with the Rolling Stones and recommended Robert Plant instead. This decision became a legendary story in rock history. Terry Reid released several critically acclaimed solo albums, including: “Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid” (1968), “Terry Reid” (1969), “River” (1973) – produced by Tom Dowd. His voice and songwriting were praised by artists like Aretha Franklin and producer Mickie Most. However, disputes with management and record labels stalled his mainstream success. He worked with Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Perry and R.E.M. His songs also featured in films like The Devil’s Rejects and Wonderland, giving him a cult following.
Terry Reid – Personal life
Terry Reid largely kept his personal life private. He spent much of his later life between the UK and the US, performing at select venues and festivals. He was known to be generous with younger musicians and supportive of emerging talent.
Terry Reid – Death
He passed away on August 5, 2025 at the age of 75 years in Los Angeles, California, USA due to Complications related to heart failure.
Official statement,
“Terry Reid, the legendary voice behind some of the most soulful recordings of British rock history, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. Known for his iconic vocals, generosity, and unwavering dedication to music, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by fans and artists across the globe.”
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.