Frank Reed

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Frank "Tchallah" Reed (born Frank Kevin Reed), is the current lead singer of the vocal group known as The Chi-Lites.

Frank Reed
Birth name Frank Kevin Reed
Born September 16, 1954 (1954-09-16) (age 53)
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Genre(s) R&B, soul,
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter,
Years active 1988–present


[edit] Career

Reed along with original members Marshall Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester; and other lead vocalist Anthony Watson, recorded the studio album, Help Wanted (Heroes Are In Short Supply).

Despite singing lead on five of the twelve tracks, Reed is not credited as a vocalist and his name is not mentioned on the album. This is noteworthy, considering the album cover contains the likeness of him. Reed is the successor to the former lead singer Eugene Record.

Reed is formerly one of the lead vocalists of the group known as Michigan Avenue, created by former singer of the Chi-Lites, Clarence Johnson. When Michigan Avenue disbanded, Reed was told by Johnson that Record was departing from the Chi-Lites and that they were looking for a new lead singer. Reed auditioned for Marshall Thompson, and his wife Constance. They liked his sound and Reed became a member of the Chi-Lites, fulfilling a dream he had since a very young age. He is the longest performing member behind the originals, Thompson and Lester. He twice appeared onstage alongside his predecessor, Eugene Record.

He is the older brother of the actor, Darryl Alan Reed, and the first cousin of the singer Laurnea.

It should also be noted that the media has a tendency to get his name wrong. Reed has mistakenly been credited as Frank Watson, Frank Watkins, Tony Reed, Greg Reed, and even Frank Michael Jackson.