BREAKING: British singer Terry Reid Passed Away At 75

A Voice That Could’ve Led Zeppelin — But Chose His Own Path

British rock and soul singer Terry Reid, affectionately nicknamed Superlungs for his powerhouse vocals, has passed away at the age of 75. Though he never became a household name, Reid’s story has long fascinated rock fans — most notably for the legendary opportunity he turned down: the chance to front Led Zeppelin.

Born in Huntingdon, England in 1949, Reid started his music career early. By age 15, he had already joined Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, eventually gaining attention for his commanding voice and stage presence. His talent didn’t go unnoticed. In the late 1960s, none other than Jimmy Page invited Reid to be the lead singer of his new band following the Yardbirds’ breakup.

But instead of joining what would become Led Zeppelin, Reid was already locked into opening gigs for the Rolling Stones and Cream, and he made a fateful decision: he declined. However, he didn’t leave Page empty-handed — he famously recommended Robert Plant, setting the course for rock history.

More Than “The Guy Who Said No”

Though often remembered for what he didn’t do, Reid carved out an artistic legacy on his own terms. His solo albums, especially River (1973) and Seed of Memory (1976), showcased his blend of blues, folk, and soul — earning him cult status and praise from peers like Aretha Franklin, who once called him “the best British voice” she’d ever heard.

He worked with producer Tom Dowd and guitarist David Lindley, and over the years his music found fans in diverse corners of the industry, from Fleetwood Mac to Jack White. In fact, his songs were featured in films like The Devil’s Rejects and Up in the Air, introducing his voice to new generations.

While he may not have reached Zeppelin-sized fame, Reid became a cherished name among musicians and die-hard rock enthusiasts. Known for both his humility and unmistakable voice, he kept performing well into his later years, touring sporadically across the U.S. and U.K.

A Quiet Goodbye to a Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlier

News of Reid’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and industry insiders. Many are reflecting not just on the Led Zeppelin story, but on what made Reid such a unique and powerful figure in music — his soulful sound, uncompromising path, and the sliding-door moment that became part of rock mythology.

Terry Reid wasn’t the frontman of Zeppelin, but he was a legend in his own right — a singer who could have been massive, but chose instead to be himself.

He is survived by close family and friends, and his voice — often described as “lightning in a bottle” — lives on in every rare record and unexpected film feature that bears his name.

Rest in peace, Superlungs.