Mike Reid

Mike Reid Michael David Reid (May 24, 1940 – July 3, 2007) was an American professional football player turned country music songwriter, recording artist, and occasional actor. He achieved prominence as a collegiate and National Football League (NFL) lineman before establishing a prolific songwriting career in Nashville, writing chart-topping songs for major recording artists and releasing solo albums. Reid's work earned accolades from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, and the Grammy Awards, and he later appeared in film and television roles.

Early life and education

Reid was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in the Philadelphia area, attending local schools before enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn he starred for the Penn Quakers football program and distinguished himself in the Ivy League and collegiate athletics, earning All-American honors and attracting attention from professional football franchises. Reid completed his collegiate studies at Penn, where his performances on the field were recognized by the College Football Hall of Fame selection committees and scouts from the National Football League.

Professional football career

After college, Reid entered the NFL and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals during the franchise's early years in the late 1960s. He played defensive tackle and defensive end positions for the Bengals, competing in AFC matchups and contributing to the team's defensive units. Reid's professional career included appearances in regular season contests and training camps overseen by Bengals coaches and front office personnel associated with the American Football League and the merged AFC North predecessor structures. Injuries and team roster changes curtailed his time as a player, prompting a transition from athletic competition to a career in the music industry.

Music career and songwriting

Relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Reid reinvented himself as a songwriter and recording artist within the country music community centered on Music Row. He signed with publishing houses and collaborated with producers, session musicians, and songwriters affiliated with labels such as Columbia Records (A&R) and independent publishers. Reid co-wrote hits recorded by Ricky Van Shelton, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Pam Tillis, Clint Black, Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, George Strait, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Keith Whitley, Kellie Pickler, and others. His compositions encompassed ballads and up-tempo numbers, often characterized by narrative storytelling popularized by Country Music Association award-winning artists.

Reid's songwriting achievements included Grammy recognition and awards from the Academy of Country Music; notable songs he penned or co-wrote reached top positions on the Billboard country charts. He released solo albums as a singer, collaborating with producers and session players who had worked with prominent recording stars on Music Row. Reid also engaged in co-writing sessions with established Nashville songsmiths such as Don Schlitz, Kix Brooks, and Max D. Barnes, while his songs were recorded by members of the Grand Ole Opry community.

Acting and television work

In addition to his music career, Reid pursued acting and television appearances. He took supporting roles in film projects and guest-starred on television series produced in Los Angeles and Nashville, working alongside actors and directors from both the Hollywood and country-entertainment spheres. Reid performed on televised award shows including broadcasts by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and participated in music-oriented programs on networks such as CMT and TNN (The Nashville Network). His acting credits included character roles in motion pictures and television movies that drew on his background as a songwriter and performer.

Personal life and legacy

Reid lived in Franklin, Tennessee later in life, remaining active in songwriting workshops, industry events, and charitable concerts tied to Nashville institutions. He was married and had a family; his personal connections included collaborations with prominent Nashville figures and friendships with performers and industry executives associated with labels and venues on Music Row and at the Grand Ole Opry House. Reid's legacy encompasses induction into songwriter and music industry honors, influence on artists who recorded his songs, and recognition from professional sports alumni organizations for his dual-career achievements. After his death in 2007, tributes from recording artists, NFL alumni, and Nashville institutions commemorated his contributions to both American football and country music.

Category:1940 births Category:2007 deaths Category:People from Philadelphia Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:Cincinnati Bengals players Category:Country music songwriters Category:American male singers