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Brenda Reid

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Brenda Reid (born 1945)[1] was the lead singer of the group The Exciters and is best known for her lead vocals in the (U.S. #4) single "Tell Him".[2] Brenda was married to fellow band member Herb Rooney.[3]

Career

In 1961, Reid joined The Masterettes, consisting of Brenda Reid on lead, Sylvia Wilbur (who later married Dickie Williams),[4] Lillian Walker, and Carol Johnson.[5] That group became The Exciters. The Exciters' first hit record, produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was "Tell Him" (U.S. #4). Tell Him was recorded in late 1962 and a music video of it was produced about the same time, one of the earliest Rock and Roll videos.[6] Other hit songs with Reid's vocals included "He's Got the Power", "Get Him" and Northern Soul classic "Blowing Up My Mind". The Exciters also recorded the original version of "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" in 1963; it was covered shortly after by Manfred Mann, for whom it was an international hit.

In 1975, Reid and the Exciters enjoyed a hit single with "Reachin' for the Best", produced by Rooney and young newcomer producer Ian Levine. The song was aimed at the British Northern soul scene but crossed over to the UK Singles Chart where it peaked at No. 31.[7]

In 1978, Reid formed a group with her husband Herb Rooney called Brenda And Herb, releasing one album in 1979, "In Heat Again."[8]

Brenda's son (Mark) Cory Rooney is a songwriter and producer, known for creating hits for many famous artists.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Frank, Hoffmann, PH.D. Rhythm & Blues, Rap, and Hip-Hop. Facts on File. Retrieved 28 July 2012.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "The Exciters Biography". Billboard.com. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b Fischler, Marcelle. "Shunning Life as a Performer, to Write the Songs". New York Times. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  4. ^ Goldberg, Marv. "The Beltones". Marv Goldberg. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  5. ^ Kirby, Michael Jack. "The Exciters Tell Him". waybackattack.com. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  6. ^ Dudek, Duane. "Did Beatles invent music videos?". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  7. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 190. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  8. ^ "Biography". Retrieved 28 July 2012.