Frank Reed (singer)
| Frank Reed | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Frank Kevin Reed |
| Born |
September 16, 1954 Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
| Genres | R&B, soul, |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, |
| Years active | 1988–present |
Frank "Tchallah" Reed (born Frank Kevin Reed, September 16, 1954), is the current lead singer of the vocal group known as The Chi-Lites.[1]
Career
Reed joined the Chi-Lites in 1988, as the successor to former lead singer Eugene Record.[2] Along with original members Marshall Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and the other lead vocalist Anthony Watson, Reed recorded the studio album, Help Wanted (Heroes Are In Short Supply) in 1998. 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 was one of the lead vocalists of Michigan Avenue, a local band in Chicago created by former Chi-Lites member, 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.
References
- ↑ "The Chi-Lites". Post and Courier. 1 March 2007. p. 43E. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
- ↑ The Chi-Lites - Chicago's Sweet Soul Balladeers, at Records by Mail.