Terry Reid, Powerhouse Singer Who Turned Down Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, Dies At 75

British singer Terry Reid, known for his powerful, soulful vocals and the nickname “Superlungs,” has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Reid’s talents were highly revered by the British rock elite of the 1960s and 1970s. He was Jimmy Page’s first choice to be Led Zeppelin’s singer in 1968, but Reid declined and recommended Robert Plant instead. He also turned down an offer to join Deep Purple, a role that ultimately went to Ian Gillan. Despite his acclaimed solo career and songs covered by artists like Marianne Faithfull, Cheap Trick, and Chris Cornell, Reid found little commercial success. But Reid continued to perform, including plans for a UK tour next month. However, his health declined in recent weeks. Robert Plant paid tribute, remembering Reid’s “enthusiasm and encouragement” and calling him “all of everything…such charisma. His voice, his range…his songs capturing that carefree era.” (Variety)