Frank Reed (singer)

Frank Kevin "Tchallah" Reed (September 16, 1954 – February 26, 2014) was the lead singer of the vocal group 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 Thompson and Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and the other lead vocalist Anthony Watson (whom had previously replaced Reed in the band on several occasions), Reed recorded the studio album, Help Wanted (Heroes Are In Short Supply) in 1998. Despite singing lead on five of the twelve tracks, and his likeness appearing on the album cover, Reed is not credited as a vocalist and his name is not mentioned on the album.

Reed was one of the lead vocalists of Michigan Avenue,^[3] 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. He was the longest performing member behind the original members, Thompson and Lester. He twice appeared on-stage alongside his predecessor, Eugene Record.

He was the older brother of the actor, Darryl Alan Reed, and the first cousin of the singer Laurnea.^[3]

The media had a tendency to get his name wrong. Reed was mistakenly credited as Frank Watson, Frank Watkins, Tony Reed, Greg Reed, and even Frank Michael Jackson.

Death

He died on February 26, 2014, aged 59.^[3]

References