‘SUPERLUNGS’

Singer Terry Reid, Who Turned Down Led Zeppelin, Dies at 75

The British singer, nicknamed “Superlungs,” earned high praise from Aretha Franklin and also turned down Deep Purple.

Terry Reid, whose soulful voice was coveted by music royalty in the 1960s and ’70s, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 75. The British singer, guitarist, and songwriter was Jimmy Page’s first choice to front Led Zeppelin’s when the band was being formed in 1968. But Reid, known as “Superlungs,” was committed to supporting The Rolling Stones on their U.S. tour at the time, and recommended Robert Plant for the role, as well as John Bonham for drums. Both would go on to become global superstars with Led Zeppelin in the years that followed. “I was intent on doing my own thing,” Reid told The Guardian in 2024. “I contributed half the band—that’s enough on my part!” Reid’s talents also caught the attention of Aretha Franklin, who said in 1968: “There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Terry Reid.” When Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore offered him the mic in 1969, Reid again said no, choosing the path of a solo career over stadium stardom. Despite limited chart impact, Reid’s output, including the 1973 album River, has earned enduring critical acclaim. Plant posted a tribute on Facebook Tuesday, writing, “His voice, his range... his songs capturing that carefree era... Superlungs indeed.”