(Terry Reid - 1968 - had things been different . . . .)

When Jimmy Page was in the formulation stages of putting Led Zeppelin together, his first choice for lead singer was Terry Reid. Reid had been a familiar fixture in the London music scene for some time and he was a natural for the type of raw blues and hard rock Page was looking for.

But the timing was bad and the prior contractual obligations were worse, and Reid was forced to decline Page's offer. He did however suggest a friend, Robert Plant as an ideal choice for vocalist. Plant and Reid had been good friends over the years and it made perfect sense that Plant would be in Led Zeppelin.

Rather than fade into the woodwork, Reid was very much the architect for what was to become the legendary Led Zeppelin lineup. With Plant on vocals and another friend of Reid's, John Bonham on drums, Reid was a key element in the formation of one of the great bands in Rock history.

But Reid continued on his own, with his own group, releasing a number of well received albums over the years, beginning with a track off tonight's album, Bang, Bang, You're Terry Reid from 1968.

Stay With Me Baby is the soul classic as performed by Terry Reid. If you aren't familiar with him, practically all of his recorded output is available.

In the meantime, check out this track for a taste of Terry Reid.