Herb A. Reed
Family & friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, June 16th, 2012 beginning at 10 a.m., at the Regent Theater, 7 Medford Street, Arlington Center, for Herb (Herbert A.) Reed, international entertainer & founder of Herb Reed’s Platters, who died on Monday, June 4th at Kaplan Family Hospice of Danvers, following a long period of declining health, at 83 years. The Funeral Service will follow at the Regent Theater at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Cemetery, West Peabody. He is the beloved father of: Herbert A. Reed, Jr. of Arizona, 2 Grandsons, Amir & Blair Reed also of Arizona. He was the Brother of the late: Gracie Mamie Reed, Leon, Gene & Julius Reed & Caroline Viola Reed, & Rebecca Smith. He is the son of the late: Carl & Juanita (Brown) Reed. He is lovingly survived by his extended musical family: Billie Cox of Lynn, MA, Wayne Miller of Everett, Angela Allen of Randolph, Efrain “Frank” Pizarro of New York City, Frederick J. Balboni, Jr. & family of West Peabody, Michael Larson of Hyde Park, & Dan & Lori Norris of Salem, New Hampshire. Herb also leaves a large extended biological family of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, & cousins in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Mass Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) at Angell, 350 So. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130-9923. Reed was a Kansas City, Mo., native who founded the Platters in Los Angeles in 1952. Reed sang bass on the group’s four No. 1 hits, including “The Great Pretender,” “My Prayer,” “Twilight Time” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Reed was the only member of the group to appear on all of their nearly 400 recordings. He continued touring, performing up to 200 shows per year, until last year. The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Services
Visiting Hours
Saturday, June 16th, 2012 from 10 – 11 a.m. in the Regent Theater, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA.
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 16th, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Regent Theater, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA.
Interment
Puritan Lawn Memorial Cemetery, West Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Mass Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) at Angell, 350 So. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130-9923.
I started listening to Herb Reed and the Platters in the 60’s. I have seen them many times over the years. We were close friends for many years. The shows they did were fantastic. All their music was very touching to the heart. At the end with Herb i saw him quite often our friendship was worth a million dollars, with him and Billy who was with him all the time at the end. I will never forget him. He was very special.. now in my 70’s I still think about him and how special he was still love listening to their music. No group will ever compare to them..
I miss you every day. Every moment of my childhood was blessed by your existence. I am deeply pained by your absence now. My kids wish they knew their great grandfather. And there is nothing and no one who could replace you in this. Gosh I look thru my photos, and flash thru every memory….there is simply no one in the entire universe who could ever mean as much to me, as you. I love you herb. Rest In Peace …. Wait for me please.
Herb and the Platters came to our church in Weymouth for a concert. There were more people listening to Herb than there was that come to Mass. They sang for almost 3 hours. It was a great time and one that I will never forget
RIP Mr. Reed
Herb is also survived but never mentioned by his personal assistant Gail Stewart of 25 years who took care of him both professionally and personally. RIP
Hey Herb! Years have passed since your passing! The Music you and The Platters, the originals recorded, that the whole world knows! Has left one of the greatest impressions on the Music Industry, myself and so many others! You are truly The Shadow, and Dunkin Donuts has missed you too! Miss you too Baby!!!!
It is a year that we still have Herb in our hearts.
He came to our island Aruba for so many years and we have so many great memories of him and Iwould like to know or see pictures of his family son and grand children wespoke to him
He was really afriend he is still alive in our hearts
Now he is singing in heaven.
Herb,
You were such a great showman.
You were also a great business man and fought the good fight to keep waht is rightfuly yours “Herb Reed’s Platters.”
You didn’t allow the imposters to highjack your group.
Nicely done!
I spoke with “Bowzer” of Sha Na Na at your wake and he is so deeply committed to continuing your fight on-behalf of all Doo Wop Entertainers.
Herb,you will be sorely missed.
Until we meet again…..God Bless You…. and “Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Bob Geribo
My family and I were very sad to hear of Herb’s passing. Being a child of the 50’s and teen of the 60″s, I grew up enjoying the music of Herb Reed and the Platters. So I was very excited to have been introduced to him at a nursing facility that my father is in. For the past two years my husband and I became friends with Herb and talked and laughed over many things while enjoying the outdoor patio. I was especially honored and thrilled when Herb sang our song to us , Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, He ended by saying he was two octives to HIGH. Boy, it sure sounded good to us. At 82, he was still amazing, in so many ways. We love and miss you HERB and here’s a kiss from me. I know the Angels in Heaven are smiling since you joined their chorus. REST IN PEACE.
R.I.P. HERB REED YOUR SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED ALL OVER THE WORLD YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON FOREVER ALL OVER THE WORLD I FEEL YOU WAS LIKE AN UNCLE TO ME YOU ARE GOING HOME TO THE LORD R.I.P. HERB REED
R.I.P. Herb. Now you can sing with your friends in Rock & Roll Heaven
I have been a fan of The Platters and Mr. Herb Reed for decades. I have seen them on many different occasions. I want to send my condolences and prayers to Mr. Reed’s family & friends. He has joined all of his original bandmates and is now performing on Heavenly Bandstand. R,I,P. Mr. Reed and Thank You for the music.
I grew up listening to the platters beautiful music. I never got tired of hearing it. About 2 or 3 years ago I had the pleasure of seeing herb and the platters at the south shore music circus. The music was just as good as ever. It happened to take place on his birthday and he was presented a cake as the audience sang happy birthday. I will always be grateful for the wonderful musical gift herb and his singing partners gave to me over so many years.