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Herb Reed Obituary
His manager says Reed died Monday at a Boston-area hospice. He was 83.
Reed founded the Platters in 1952 and sang bass on the group's four No. 1 hits, including "The Great Pretender," ''My Prayer," ''Twilight Time" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Reed was the only member of the group to appear on all of its nearly 400 recordings. He continued touring, performing up to 200 shows per year, until last year.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
306 Entries
Charlene
January 9, 2024
Herb I was a great fan of yours and the platters for years , I went to see you all over my assachusetts. We really lov e you and your group. I was so sorry to here that you passed away. You were friends with my aunt Shirley and uncle Bill who both passed away and are in heaven with you. I really miss going to see you and the platters sing ,you were really loved by all your fans. Charlene
Richard Isaacs
August 29, 2018
He was "The Voice" of the Platters.
LOIS WEISS
August 23, 2017
U WERE TRULY THE BEST. REST IN HEAVEN
RON GRIMES
February 7, 2017
I HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET AND CHAT A FEW MINUTES WITH HERB BACK ABOUT THE 1980'S IN FL.DURING A VISIT WITH HIS GROUP THE PLATTERS. HE WAS A CLASSY GENTLEMAN AND AND VERY FRIENDLY. I HAD BEEN LISTENNG TO HIM SINCE ABOUT 1955.
How you can show support
Harry B
January 21, 2017
I will always remember Herb and "his" Platters at the Mill Hill Club on Cape Cod.
May he rest in peace!
Valenda Newell
July 8, 2016
THANKS FOR SHARING ONE'S VOICE WITH THE WORLD..........GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
clarence tate
June 7, 2016
Herb Reed was a kind and gentel man who would give you the shirt off his back because thats who herb reed is to me he was a good frind and i will never forget him the world has lost a great man this world needs more people HERB r i p herb the world will miss you.
Dan Hogan
November 12, 2014
Enjoyed seeing Herb Reed & The Platters at Lani Purcell's Holiday Inn in Plant City, FL, in the 1980s...a class act!
Harry Simpson
June 4, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Nazarene Mckinney
March 25, 2013
The Platters made such beautiful music. They used such lovely words to decribe the feelings of love. May the family find peace in comfort in the promises of Jesus Christ our Lord.
John Adams
August 27, 2012
I grew up in the 1950's listening to a lot of great music but I can't think of any group that had a greater impact on music back then than Herb Reed and the Platters. As a Massachusetts resident, I've had the priviledge of seeing Mr. Reed and the Platters perform on many occasions. He was a classy man who brought nothing but happiness with his magical voice. Herb Reed and the Platters will always live on in my mind. God Bless you, Mr. Reed.
John Adams - Plymouth, MA
Cecile Beaulieu
August 12, 2012
Had the pleasure of seeing & listening to Herb Reed & The Platters several years ago when they performed in the Bangor, Maine, each & every time they eere here & also went to a show in Millinocket,Maine. Always loved The Platters ...always will. Mr Reed had definite stage presence with his audience!
Cecile Beaulieu
August 12, 2012
Had the pleasure of seeing & listening to Herb Reed & The Platters several years ago when they performed in the Bangor, Maine area & also went to a show in Millinocket,Maine. Always loved The Platters ...always will. Mr Reed had definite stage presence with his audience!
Beth Lundigan
August 1, 2012
We all will miss the ride.s we took together us song.s and essence will live on forever until we meet again love and peace me
Fran Thompson
August 1, 2012
Love to you alway.s thank you for all you did for my sister beth from leominrter mass love u fran rest in peace or look at the candle fran beth.s sister
allison
July 28, 2012
To the family and friends of Mr. Herb Reed. It is with sorrow that I send this note to you. It is not easy loosing the death of a loved one. Mr. Reed has brought a lot of happiness to people with his music. May the God of comfort bring comfort to all of you during this tiime.
July 9, 2012
Herb,I will miss you dearly.God has you back now.Thank you for your contribution to the world of music and your close frienship. Jamie King Colton
Gail Cline
July 6, 2012
RIP - Herb you will be fondly missed by many! Thanks so much for your music!
Your music will live on forever
Rudy And Sherry Palermo, garcia
July 2, 2012
May you rest with our god,, your music was one of my fav,,,,,,,thank,s for the music
paul mccarthy
June 27, 2012
just read of herbs passing his deep bass voice will be truly missed by the millions of his fans
June 23, 2012
Mr. Herb and The Platters, visited the Soul Shack in Baltimore, Maryland. He was such a caring, giving, and warm hearted person. Even though he "Blessed" me with his presence briefly, I will never forget him.
Diane Anderson (Baltimore, Maryland)
Valerie L.
June 22, 2012
As a fellow natural born vocalist, I am assured that I can continue singing far into my future. Herb you exhibited excellence, perseverance, and fortitude. Blessings.
Rosalyn Lynch-Atkins
June 22, 2012
R.I.P. Mr Reed you were a dear friend of my dad the late David Lynch Jr who sang along with you as an original Platters for a number of years. I remember you at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1990 I recvd my dads award and you were a trooper then. you were the last survivor you will not be forgotten and ur music will be in our hearts forever.
William & Evelyn Domings
June 17, 2012
We always loved your music, and meeting you looking over Spy Pond in Arlington, Mass. You were one of a kind and my wife always felt "Only You" was written for us. May you Rest in Peace.
Your Friend & Friends always.
Bill & Lynn Domings
judy palazzo
June 17, 2012
so sad to hear about mr herb reeds passing. i would see him around arlington, he always had a smile and he was always warm & friendly. only you was my wedding song. rest in peace, you will be missed !
Diane Ingvarsson
June 17, 2012
The songs will live on and remind us all of the wonderful, talented, gracious man Herb was. The concerts were always outstanding and memorable, but what meant more was having the honor of knowing this gracious,personable,talented, yet humble man. He was a true gentleman. My deepest sympathy to his family. Your loss is shared. His memory will live on.
Bob Geribo
June 16, 2012
Herb,
"Until We Meet Again."
Bob Geribo
Raina Okray
June 14, 2012
May God continue to comfort the Reed family at this difficult time. My prayers are with all of you.
Jim & Sherry Wied Neidert
June 11, 2012
"Herb, It was a real pleasure to meet you, Billy, Tony, DaNitta and Robert in St. Point, Wi. in 1990. It was our 25th Anniversary and you all made it very special for us. We also were honored to have you all over to our home for dinner. We love your music and have listened to it from the beginning and we always will. We extend our sympathy to your family and all the Platter's who have played with you through the years. Jim and Sherry Wied Neidert Iola, Wi
dick stacey
June 10, 2012
We remember the day we took a boat ride to an Island Herb owned in Penobscot Bay, Maine. "Do You Remember"
Susan Day
June 10, 2012
Dearest Herb
Our family will treasure the letters, cards and records you gave us over the years. We play your music all the time and have your pictures on the wall, especially the ones of Mum and Dad at your pad in Boston!
I remember the old days at Heathrow Post House Hotel when we worked on the AVIS desk and often gave you a lift to the supermarket to get supplies! We will miss you for ever.
Love as always from Susan and family, London, UK
xxxx
This picture was taken during our performance on the "Johnny Carson/Tonight Show" back in 1965. Herbie is to your right. I'm second from your left .
June 10, 2012
Dear Brother Herbie, Milton Bullock here who was hired by you and performed with you & the 1960's group! "May you RIP and thanks for allowing me in being a part of one of the pioneering groups ever to dorn the stage! Tell all the friends I won't be too long in joining you all-save me a spot!"
Maggie Dionne
June 10, 2012
Herb, may you sing in the Lord's choir, I will always remember your wonderful voice and the times you made me laugh.
Barbara Williams
June 10, 2012
Herb,
So enjoyed the afternoon stories last summer and the day your friend pulled up in his car and blasted the radio so we could all hear your music. Miraya you were there when he needed you. We will miss all of you,
Bob Mann
June 9, 2012
Loved your music.
Lora Joris
June 9, 2012
Love the music,what a wonderful voice, God Bless You All
Janice Lee Alemian Belitsky
June 8, 2012
"Herb, was a true entertainer who brought joy to all! He shared his kindness and wisdom - a dear friend and mentor. May he rest in peace and may God bless his loved ones."
Pat Bradshaw Linker
June 8, 2012
Thanks for the respite from a rather wise miserable team life! Thanks for the memories and I still play your music to this day. What a God given talent for not just.singing, but for giving us real entertainment with HEART & SOUL.
Your fan for always,
Pat Bradshaw Linker
Carol Hulburt
June 8, 2012
Herb, you were a joy to be with. I treasure our time together. You will be greatly missed.
Karen Gullion
June 8, 2012
The Platters were my Daddy's favorite group, so needless to say I listened to them growing up, so did my children. Prayers to the family, he has left behind a legacy and will be missed by all. God bless
Cathy Lowry
June 8, 2012
"My Prayer" goes to the family/friends he leaves behind. This song was my favorite, but I loved all of The Platters' music. I still play all of their music even to this day. I was a teenager in the 50's and have so many beautiful memories because of your music. May he rest in peace & all of "The Platters" as well.
leslie mcfadden
June 8, 2012
My prayers goes to the family and close friends
Sandy
June 8, 2012
My prayers and love go to the ones he leaves behind.
We have lost so much get talent over the last 2 to 5 years. I guess God needed to start His own "band" to sing with His "angels."
mary
June 8, 2012
I was only 16 when I saw herb Reed and the platters who were performing with the new riders. The spotlight shown on me in the front row and Herb took my hand and sang " only you"
My heart did melt all those years ago and I became a fan.
Thank you for those memories...RIP
Mariah
June 7, 2012
I miss you soooooo much!!!
Linda Abate
June 7, 2012
To the family of Herb Reed. My husband and I had the honor and priviledge of meeting you through friends(Ray and Judy) that were very dedicated followers of Herb Reed and the Platters. Your music and talent was appreciated by many. I can still hear you say the famous words you spoke to Judy the night we met you Little Bits Can You Dig It. You and your music will live forever.
Our deepest sympathy to the Reed family.
Linda and Lou New Hampshire
June 7, 2012
Herb, it has been a true pleasure having met your aquaintance. I wish I'd stayed in touch--R.I.P. friend!! Love Ya, Baby Bro
Ed Pisano
June 7, 2012
RIP dear Herb, and thank you for the beautiful music you and The Platters shared with us. Now all of you are together again, and I bet you're lighting up heaven with your beautiful voices. You will be missed.
Alice Guckian Queen
June 7, 2012
Sorry for your loss. I grew up listening to the Platters. May God watch over your family. Alice Guckian , Melanie @ Jeff Wheaton - Fentress , Tx. 78622
M Milord
June 7, 2012
May God give you strength during your time of grief.
Jeanne Jackson
June 7, 2012
To the family of Herb Reed please accept my deepest sympahies. It's never easy to lose a loved one, during these difficult times may you take comfort in knowing God promise of a better future ' he will wipe away death and pain forever'
June 7, 2012
My sincere condolences go out to the immediate and extended family of Mr. Herb Reed. I saw the Platters in Charlotte (along with Sonny Turner) a few years ago...such a classy act and I was so proud of the performers...music at its finest!!! We will never forget your music and your professionalism. Respectfully submitted by Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC - Charlotte, NC
Julia Silkowski
June 7, 2012
You will be truely missed along with your buddys and the music as well I love the oldies the music today cant compare with then
June 7, 2012
Rest in peace Herb. I hope my mom and dad were there to great you! It was a pleasure knowing you. You have and always will be in my heart.
Sue - Lowell, MA
linda nunn
June 7, 2012
god holds you, you will be singing in heaven now,bless those you left behind.
DODI BRIDGES
June 7, 2012
R.I.P. HERB, THE PLATTERS WERE AMAZING I LOVED THEIR MUSIC
DODI BRIDGES(MODESTO,C.A.)
Denise Chupp
June 7, 2012
May you now rest in peace in the Hands of the Lord.You're now with all your band members that had gone before you.Now all can play all of your music together.God Bless all that were left behind family & friends to help all with your Sorrow that you stay with.But it'll get easy as time passes by.But you Never Forget Your Love.Becuse Love Never Dies,It Goes With You Everywhere You Go.I to listened to all your music when I was alittle girl back in the 1950's.God Bless you Mr.Herb Reed & again Rest In Peace.From A Fan That Really Cared about all your music.Your Forever Loving Fan.... Denise Chupp
JAMES SUBLETT
June 7, 2012
TO THE FAMILY
GOD BLESS YOU
L.J. Sanchez
June 7, 2012
May you now rest in peace in the Hands of the Lord.You're now with all your band members that had gone before you.Now all can play all of your music together.God Bless all that were left behind family & friends.I to listened to all your music when I was alittle girl back in the 1950's.God Bless you Mr. Herb Reed & again Rest In Peace.From A Fan That Really Cared about all your music.Your Forever Loving Fan L.J.Sanchez.
Jack Wood
June 7, 2012
R.I.P. Herb! I will never forget the sounds of the Platters. The song "Wish It Were Me" was one of my favorites.
Oralia Sendejo
June 7, 2012
This era around this time was of real music that you could associate with.It was very emotional, this artist had a special talent you would listen and get drawn in even it was'nt your type of music flavor.Your music lives on eternally and so may your soul...RIP
L.J. Sanchez
June 7, 2012
May you now rest in peace in the Hands of the Lord.You're now with all your band members that had gone before you.Now all can play all of your music together.God Bless all that were left behind family & friends to help all with your Sorrow that you stay with.But it'll get easy as time passes by.But you Never Forget Your Love.Becuse Love Never Dies,It Goes With You Everywhere You Go.I to listened to all your music when I was alittle girl back in the 1950's.God Bless you Mr.Herb Reed & again Rest In Peace.From A Fan That Really Cared about all your music.Your Forever Loving Fan L.J.Sanchez.
Dale Porter
June 7, 2012
Heaven's going to sound sweeter now you're all together again.RIP,sir,and thanks for the beautiful,unforgettable music.
Georgia Webb
June 7, 2012
One of my fondest memories from my youth is dancing to "The Great Pretender" and "Only You." God bless you. GLW
CD
June 7, 2012
DO YOU REMEMBER,God bless HERB
June 7, 2012
To the family of HERB REED I send my heartfelt condolences in the death of your dear family member.I hope during these difficult times you draw comfort
from the GOD of comfort.
sincerely
Ms Carruth
June 7, 2012
I HAVE THE FONDEST MEMORIES OF LISTING TO
"HARBOR LIGHTS" AS A YOUNG COLLEGE STUDENT. HE & THEY WERE THE GREATEST GROUP OF OUR YOUTH! THEIR MUSIC WILL LIVE
FOREVER. RIP!
ADB - NEW JERSEY
mark Hooks
June 7, 2012
God bless you, thanks for the music.
June 7, 2012
how well I remember seeing the Platters playing at Blinstrubs in South Boston.What harminizing voices .Music that will live on forever.Will miss seeing you at Jimmy's in Arlington. Thanks for all the wonderful music.
Carol from Medford
Don Wettergreen
June 7, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barb
June 7, 2012
During this difficult time please find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). With deepest sympathy to the family.
June 7, 2012
There has never been a song to warm my heart like "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and when it was first released I was a young nursing student back in the '50's, studying late into the night and listening to the radio. I will never forget you and all the other Platters. Rest in peace, dear friend, and keep your music alive in Heaven. Mildred, North Carolina.
Elmont Edwards
June 7, 2012
RIP Herb, The Platters will always be on my favorites list. Family thanks for sharing Herb with the world.
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 7, 2012
rip
Jerry
June 7, 2012
The Platters were the gold standard in the field of pop music. Their "stuff" will NEVER be outdated. "You'll Never Know" was one of my personal favorites. RIP Herb Reed.
Missy M
June 7, 2012
The music by the Platters is timeless. I love to listen to it as it takes me back to a wonderful time in my life. RIP Herb, Your contribution to this planet is outstanding and a better place for all who love your music.
Bill Mercer
June 6, 2012
"Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh..."
Ann Gentry
June 6, 2012
"Heavenly shades of night are falling" . Thank you for all of your beautiful music Herb Reed.
Perer Apostolas
June 6, 2012
We grew up listening to the platters We just love your music. Your one of the greats, never to be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
M. TERRY
June 6, 2012
Thank you MR REED and the other Platters that have gone home for that beautiful music. RIP MR REED you will never be forgotten.
freddie merida
June 6, 2012
Herb and his new group of Platter performed on our Panama trip 2009. He took the time to speak with everyone on that on the Cruise . RIP you have done great service to many. His voice withstood time and was still as glorious as it was in the 50's. I remember his stand even though he has a cane to support his walk, he still had a velvet voice.
Denette Jones
June 6, 2012
My sympathy to the family may god continue to bless you during your time of grief.
A fan
June 6, 2012
Saw him last yr still enjoyed him
joanne
June 6, 2012
loved the platters and still do! the greatest music ever! I have so many good memories when i hear their beautiful songs. RIP
Marilyn Curtiss
June 6, 2012
I was in High School when the Platters were singing "Hit after Hit ! Thank you for all of the
beautiful music and memories! They were the best!
Marilyn Curtiss, Murrieta, California
joanne
June 6, 2012
I loved the Platters and will never forget them. they were a big part of my life their music was wonderful
June 6, 2012
I have many pictures with Herb and am proud to have seen him so many times. He would send me Christmas Cards which I thought said how much he loved his fans. He will be missed for sure. Doo-wop Donna Whitworth
June 6, 2012
May you rest in peace in Heaven making beautiful music with the Platters who went before you.
SC
Paul Jackson
June 6, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Dee
June 6, 2012
I used to pretend I was one of the Platters!! I truly loved your music! Thank you for the great music!! Rest in Peace.
Minnie Compton
June 6, 2012
Thank you Herb for the giving the world some of its greatest music.
Diane and Jim Luberecki
June 6, 2012
We were fortunate enough to meet Herb Reed while on a cruise in 2005. He was such a gentleman. We extend our deepest sympathy to Herb's family.
June 6, 2012
What great memories of singing along with the Platters. Truly sorry to hear of Herb's passisng. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
ALAN KLEM
June 6, 2012
THANK YOU HERB FOR THE GREAT MUSIC YOU GAVE US!
REST IN PEACE HERB!
ALAN KLEM
ORMOND BEACH FL.
frank
June 6, 2012
i truly adored your music esp the great pretender may you rip
kitty land
June 6, 2012
I'll never forget falling in love & dancing to the Platters. There will never be another time like it. R.I.P. dear friend. For thats how we'll all remember you.
June 6, 2012
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.-John 14:18,
May it comfort you to know that I were so very sorry to hear of your loss.
You're in my thoughts now, and in the days to come.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Green, L. W.P.Bch., FLA 33407
Phil Elkins
June 6, 2012
Thank you for all the beautiful vocal harmonies. It put peace into my heart for years and still does.
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