Frank Reed obit

Frank Reed Of The Chi-Lites Have Died

 

He was not on the list.

Frank Reed, lead singer of the Chi-Lites passed away suddenly Wednesday night. Reed joined the group in the early 80’s.

Reed’s death was announced by his brother, Myles Reed Jr., via Facebook:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share this information. My brother, Frank K. Reed passed away this morning. According to Wikipedia, Reed was 59 .I don’t have the details, and am having a hard time believing that it is true. Many of you know that he was a member of the Chi-lites for the past almost 30 years. One thing I do know, is that he lived his dream. Rest in Peace, Frank! This is very hard for us. I will forward more information as I receive it.”

Reed joined the Chi-Lites in 1988, as the successor to former lead singer Eugene Record. 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, 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. Reed was the older brother of the actor, Darryl Alan Reed, and the first cousin of the singer Laurneá.