Following the news of Terry Reid’s death on August 4, some fellow respected rock artists have paid heartfelt tribute to the respected British singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
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Among the music stars saluting Reid are Robert Plant and Graham Nash, both of whom had interesting connections to Terry.
Reid, who was 75 when passed away following a battle with cancer, had a long and varied career. Although he enjoyed little commercial success, Terry was lauded for his ample musical talents, including his powerful singing voice, which influenced many contemporary vocalists and earned him the nickname “Superlungs.” Perhaps the most talked-about part of Reid’s musical journey was the fact that he turned down an invitation from Jimmy Page to join the band that became Led Zeppelin. He also suggested that Page check out a young singer from England’s Midlands region named Robert Plant.
In his homage, Plant touched on his friendship with Reid, acknowledged the significance of his recommendation, and showered praise on his talents.
“Terry Reid’s enthusiasm and encouragement were incredible back then,” Robert reflected. “[S]till teenagers we crashed each [other’s] gigs and crucified [the Donovan song ‘Season of the Witch’] time and time again … So much fun. So on it. He was all of everything … such charisma.”
Plant continued, “His voice, his range … his songs capturing that carefree era … Superlungs indeed. He catapulted me into an intense new world he chose to decline … I listen now to his [1973] album The River and shed a tear for my brother in arms.”
Graham Nash’s Tribute to Reid
Nash and Reid became friends during the 1960s, when Graham was in The Hollies and Terry was singing in the group Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers. Nash later covered the Reid song “Without Expression” (retitled “Horses Through a Rainstorm” ) with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and the two co-wrote “Be Yourself,” which appeared as Nash’s 1971 debut solo album. Graham went on to produce Terry’s 1976 solo album, Seed of Memory.
In his tribute, Nash lamented Reid’s death, while also pointing out that he’d recently seen Terry while he was on tour. The post included a photo of Reid and Nash smiling together during their recent get-together.
“Finding it hard to put into words how sad I am about the passing of my dear friend Terry,” Graham wrote. “How was it just a few short months ago we were smiling on my bus together? He was such a force. A talent beyond what I can express right now.”
Nash continued, “It is still one of my proudest moments having produced his beautiful album Seed of Memory. That voice. That guitar playing. That wonderful person we will all miss so dearly. … My love goes out to his family and everyone who loved him.”
(Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns)
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