erry Reid was born Terrance James Reid on November 13, 1949, in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, England. Raised in the village of Bluntisham, he showed musical talent early on—fronting a school band called The Redbeats at just 13 years old. By 15, he had joined Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, and at 16 was touring the UK as a support act for major names such as The Rolling Stones, Ike & Tina Turner, and The Yardbirds. Known for his extraordinary vocal stamina and range, he earned the enduring nickname “Superlungs”.
Terry Reid died in early August 2025 at the age of 75, following a prolonged battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed by his UK publicist and Cleopatra Records on August 5, 2025.
Height & Physical Profile
While no widely publicized, verified sources provide an exact listing of Terry Reid’s height, one recent profile estimates he stood around 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) with a weight near 72 kg (159 lb), though these details remain anecdotal.
Career Beginnings & Rising Reputation
Reid’s early career was steeped in lively live performance. Joining Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers around 1965–66, he quickly found himself opening for the Rolling Stones and other iconic acts. By 1968, he signed with producer Mickie Most and released his debut solo album Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid, featuring “Without Expression,” a song he wrote at just 14 that would go on to be covered by artists like Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mellencamp, and REO Speedwagon.
In 1969, his self-titled album (released in the U.S. as Move Over for Terry Reid) reached No. 147 on the Billboard chart.
Turning Down Led Zeppelin & Deep Purple
Terry Reid’s legacy is forever entwined with two historic decisions: rejecting offers to be lead vocalist for both Led Zeppelin (via Jimmy Page) and Deep Purple (via Ritchie Blackmore). Instead of joining those bands, Reid recommended two relatively unknown musicians—Robert Plant and John Bonham—to Page, helping shape rock history. He later said, “I contributed half the band — that’s enough on my part.”
Landmark Albums: River, Seed of Memory, Rogue Waves
Following legal disputes and label clashes in the early 1970s, Reid returned with the critically-acclaimed River (1973), produced by Tom Dowd and featuring the versatile collaborator David Lindley. Though not commercially successful at release, it is now celebrated as a genre-blending masterpiece. He followed with Seed of Memory (1976), produced by Graham Nash, and Rogue Waves (1978), produced by Chris Kimsey. These albums deepened his reputation as an under‑appreciated musical innovator.
Session Work & Later Albums
By the 1980s, Reid shifted to session and collaborative work—contributing vocals and guitar for artists like Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne. In 1991, he released The Driver, produced by Trevor Horn, including a cover of “Gimme Some Lovin’” featured in the film Days of Thunder. Though Reid later described the album as “unlistenable,” it marked his final major studio effort.
Live Resurgence & Collaborations from the 2000s
From the 2000s onward, Reid resurfaced as a compelling live act. Based in Santa Monica, he held a weekly residency at The Joint, frequently joined on stage by Robert Plant, Keith Richards, Bobby Womack, Roger Daltrey, and others. In 2010, he collaborated with Matt Sweeney and performed at All Tomorrow’s Parties, curated by the band Pavement. He also worked with artists ranging from DJ Shadow to Dr. Dre, exploring reimagined renditions of his Seed of Memory catalog.
Age, Final Performances & Passing
At 75, Reid remained active until his health declined in 2025. His final live set was played in September 2024 at the Half Moon in London. In July 2025, cancer treatment forced him to cancel a planned UK, Irish, and Norwegian tour. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his medical expenses, reflecting both community love and financial need. Terry Reid passed away in early August 2025.
Family & Personal Life
Reid kept his personal life largely private. He is survived by his wife, Annette. There are no widely documented public records of children or siblings. Though not flashy, his legacy lies in music and friendship with artists like Jimi Hendrix (whom he befriended during UK tours in the ’60s).
Net Worth & Financial Profile
There is no official financial disclosure regarding Reid’s net worth. Some speculative online sources suggest estimates as high as $77 million, but those lack credible backing. Reid lived modestly and focused more on artistic integrity than commercial success—a fact echoed in interviews describing him juggling bills and instrument storage in later years.
Fast Facts Table
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Terrance James Reid |
| Born | November 13, 1949 – St Neots, Cambridgeshire |
| Died | Early August 2025 (aged 75) |
| Nickname | “Superlungs” |
| Early Bands | The Redbeats; Peter Jay & the Jaywalkers |
| Major Albums | Bang… (1968), River (1973), Seed of Memory (1976), Rogue Waves (1978), The Driver (1991) |
| Declined Offers | Lead singer roles for Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple |
| Collaborators | Graham Nash, DJ Shadow, Dr. Dre, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt |
| Final Live Show | September 2024 – Half Moon, London |
| Spouse | Annette |
| Net Worth | Unknown (speculative) |
| Legacy Quotes | Aretha Franklin: “Only three things happening in England: the Stones, Beatles & Terry Reid” |
| Cause of Death | Cancer, after cancellation of health-based touring plans in 2025 |
Legacy & Reflection
Terry Reid’s life exemplifies the paradox of true artistry: immense talent, deep respect from peers, and yet limited mainstream recognition. He chose creative authenticity over mass appeal—turning down potentially legendary gigs to pursue his own path.
Though he never topped the charts, his voice inspired and endured. He worked with, and influenced, iconic musicians across genres and decades. Songs he wrote were covered by Chris Cornell, Cheap Trick, Jack White, Marianne Faithfull, Rumer, and The Hollies, among others.
As Joe Bonamassa remembered him, Reid was “one of the greatest to ever do it and a beautiful person and soul.” His legacy is not in gold records or household fame, but in musical authenticity and the art of choosing one’s own path.
Terry Reid’s journey reminds us that greatness isn’t always measured by fame—it can reside in choices, collaborations, and integrity. For seekers of unsung musical legends, his story—and his voice—resonate quietly but powerfully across time.
