Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

REID, Mike

(b 24 May '47, Altoona PA) Singer, songwriter, pianist; wrote dozens of hits for Bonnie Raitt, Barbara Mandrell, many more. Former professional footballer and classical pianist also enjoyed recording success '88--93 with country no.1 'Walk On Faith' and top tens. Graduated with music degree but pursued football career (All-American Outland Trophy Winner '69); interest in music maintained playing in local bands and with symphony orchestras in Dallas, San Antonio and Cincinnati; joined the Apple Butter Band '75; went solo '76 and played piano bars. Moved to Nashville '80; Ronnie Milsap had a no. 1 with his 'Inside' '82; he won a Grammy for 'Stranger In My House' '83; further hits followed by stars incl. Sylvia, Mark Gray, Marie Osmond, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty etc; teamed with Milsap for duet hit 'Old Folks' '88. Signed with Columbia Records '90 with acclaimed album Turning For Home and several top tens of his own; as songwriter further successes incl. 'In This Life' (Collin Raye), 'My Strongest Weakness' (Wynonna), 'I Wouldn't Be A Man' (Don Williams), 'Lost In the Fifties Tonight' (Milsap). Wrote A House Divided, a musical saga which debuted at Nashville's Performing Arts Center '91 and went on tour. Another album was Twilight Town '92.