Herb Reed facts for kids
Herbert Reed (born August 7, 1928 – died June 4, 2012) was an American singer and musician. He helped start the famous music group called The Platters. He even came up with their name! The Platters are known for hit songs like "Only You (and You Alone)" and "The Great Pretender".
Herbert Reed was the last original member of The Platters. He started the group with Joe Jefferson, Alex Hodge, and Cornell Gunter. Cornell Gunter later helped start another group called The Coasters. Herbert got the idea for the name "The Platters" because in the 1950s, DJs (disc jockeys) often called their music records "platters."
In 1990, Herbert Reed was honored. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Platters. This is a very special award for musicians.
Early Life and Music Career
Herbert Reed grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. When he was fifteen, he moved to Los Angeles. Later, in the 1970s, he moved to the Boston area after The Platters became very successful.
Herbert was the only member of The Platters who sang on every single song the group recorded. They made about 400 songs! You can hear his deep bass voice in the background of many of their biggest hits. These include "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "The Great Pretender", "Twilight Time", and "My Prayer".
He also sang the main vocals on several songs. Some of these are "Sixteen Tons", "Singin' in the Rain", "In a Little Spanish Town", and "Sleepy Time Gal". He also sang lead on "Darktown Strutters' Ball", "Blues in the Night", and "On the Top of My Mind".
Protecting The Platters' Name
Over the years, many other music groups started using The Platters' name. This was confusing for fans. Herbert Reed believed it was wrong for others to use the name he helped create.
In the last years of his life, Herbert fought to protect his group's name. He won a court case that gave him the special right to use The Platters' name. In 2012, he said in an interview, "It's not right to have someone steal your name. It's just not right." He wanted to make sure other artists would not face the same problem.
Later Years and Legacy
Herbert Reed loved performing and toured throughout his career. He would perform in as many as 200 concerts each year. He continued to perform until 2012, when his health began to decline.
Herbert Reed passed away on June 4, 2012, at the age of 83. He died in a hospice in Boston due to health problems, including heart disease. He had recently lived in Arlington, Massachusetts. His dedication helped keep The Platters' music alive for many years.
