Bernard Reed: A Masterful Bassist with an Underrecognized Legacy

Bernard Reed is a prominent name in the music world, especially when it comes to blues. His talent with the bass guitar has not only defined decades of blues music, but his versatility extends to a variety of other genres, such as doo-wop, R&B, soul, funk, jazz, gospel, and pop. Reed's diverse musical journey also includes a claim of an unexpected foray into grunge, having allegedly backed Chris Cornell of Soundgarden—a story that, while unverified, adds to the enigmatic allure of this accomplished musician.

Chicago Roots and Musical Beginnings

Born on May 22, 1945, in Chicago, Bernard Reed grew up surrounded by music. Learning the sousaphone in school, Reed's early experiences in music included singing bass with the doo-wop group the Constellations. His shift to bass guitar came under the guidance of Elmore Nunn, setting the stage for performances at iconic venues like the Regal Theater. Although the Chicago version of the Constellations never released records, many members, including Reed, gained invaluable experience as studio musicians at renowned labels such as Chess and Roulette.

From Sideman to Star

Rising through the ranks, Reed became part of the soul group the Artistics and worked as a house bassist for Okeh Records. His nimble bass lines graced tracks by luminaries like Tyrone Davis and the Chi-Lites, but miscredits and industry politics led Reed to spread his talents further. He joined forces with Syl Johnson on Twinight Records releases and formed Pieces of Peace, leaving an indelible mark on the devotional funk genre.

Accomplishments Across Genres

The 1970s saw Reed collaborating with a myriad of stars across the spectrum of black music, from Aretha Franklin to Oscar Brown Jr. Yet, even an exhaustive list of his collaborations likely falls short of capturing his full musical resume, as the details of his contributions to film, television, radio, and advertising remain less well-documented.

The Return to Blues and Beyond

After a hiatus in the 1980s, due to frustrations with the music industry, Reed returned to focus on blues, quickly becoming a sought-after bassist for renowned artists and performing at notable festivals around the world. As of late, his appearances have become more sporadic, but his performance at the 2022 Chicago Blues Festival is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal.

bassist, bluesman, legend