When planning your next party or social event and you need some entertainment, did you know that we have a wonderful musician and entertainer right here in the Lake Norman area? He's Jeffrey Lynn Reid, a former member of the Fantastic Shakers band that's become so famous throughout the southeastern United States. Reid, of Lincolnton, has been called the most versatile performer in the southeast. Whether he's writing music for his own CDs or for other performers, producing and recording in his studio, or entertaining live at area clubs and parties, Reid is thrilled to be doing what he loves best. "It's the only thing I can do well and I just happen to love it," he said, smiling. Reid said he's been interested in music all his life. At age 10, he got a guitar from his mom and started playing, and he's been playing ever since. In 1973, Reid had his first big break at the Shadows Club in Newton, NC, and then in 1978, he joined a group called Blacksmith - later to become the Fantastic Shakers. With the Shakers, Reid traveled the entire southeastern United States performing, writing and co-writing some of their songs. "We toured everywhere, New Orleans, allover. "I guess the biggest thrill I had during those years was opening for the Beach Boys at Charlotte's Memorial Stadium in front of 33,000 people in 1987". 

Reid also recalled performing with The Four Tops for South Carolina Governor, Carroll Campbell's inaugural ball. In 1975, Reid wrote "Myrtle Beach Days." The song became a huge beach record in the southeast, and is still the biggest seller of all the Shaker releases. In his home, in Lincolnton, Reid proudly displays a plaque he received from the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce thanking him for writing the song about their resort city. Reid spent 15 years with the Shakers, but was interested in producing and recording on his own, so in 1989, he left the group to go to recording school in Orlando. "I even got a scholarship and graduated with honors," beamed Reid. During that same year, Reid graduated from the Carolina School of Broadcasting. Back in Lincolnton, Reid found he couldn't get a job, so, "I was hired back with the Shakers". "At the time, I had a 12-track recorder, but then I got 24-track digital and decided to go out on my own in 1994."Reid has been on his own, recording and performing ever since. The Shakers have recorded songs for some of their CDs in his Lincolnton studio called JLR Productions. When Reid left the Shakers in 1994, he started promoting his own first solo release called "Scarface." It sounds like a retro British Rock extravaganza. The CD, with the exception of the last two songs was written, produced and engineered by Reid. The CD's last two songs, "Worries and Troubles" and "No Such Luck" were recorded at Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis at the studio owned by  Prince. Reid's friend, Ray Hahnfelt, who worked for Prince at the time, engineered the two songs and they were finished in Charlotte with a string arrangement by Alan Kaufman and members of the Charlotte Symphony accompanying. Although the Shakers are mostly rhythm and blues, Reid said, "I like that, and I can play any kind of music, but I'm a rock 'n roller at heart."   

 Reid said he likes Stevie Wonder, Moody Blues, E.L.O., Ten CC, The Who, Todd Rundgren and Prince, but his very favorite is The Beatles. In his CD, "One of the Good Guys", there is a song called " Allergies." In 1995, Reid was nominated as songwriter of the year for "Allergies," a" blues song, that Reid wrote about all his problems with allergies. " Allergies" was nominated as the best original song of 1995 in the Beach Music awards section, of the Cammy (Carolina Magic Music Years) Awards. In 1996, Reid was not only nominated, but won the award for The Best Original Song of 1996 for his "Out of Sight, Out of Mind." Bo Schronce, leader of the Shakers wrote the lyrics and Reid, the music. "What made it even better," smiled Reid, was that it was the People's Choice Award." In all, 14 nominations for The Cammy Awards have been recorded at JLR Productions. "I've done recording for a lot of local talents -from blue grass to heavy metal," added Reid. Outside the studio, Reid said he enjoys performing for live audiences. "I use music programmed on the computer and carry a mini-disc player with me. I play a mix, some programmed, some live." Reid said a couple of years ago when he was performing on the Catawba Queen the power went out. "I just grabbed my acoustic guitar and started playing and singing for them," he said. He plays the acoustic guitar, the piano or keyboard, and the blues harmonica. "I do 200 different songs," said Reid. In the next few weeks he is booked at various locales and for a variety of different functions. There was a New Year's Eve dance at Sugar Mountain, Austins in Concord, clubs in North Wilkesboro and Shelby, and he plays weekly in Hickory at the Madison's Rib House. "I can start at 7 p.m. and do easy going music, and then by 10 p.m. I might be doing Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin." For private parties, Reid said he can do whatever kind of music anyone wants. "My music is mostly from the 60's and 70's, but I also do a wide range- from stage productions like Cats; to Tony Bennett, to Santana." Reid said he can offer D.J. services, but, "I'm a musician, and I prefer that. I'd rather sing and perform." But people do like to dance and I like to watch people having a good time.

 "Music is a business, but it just happens to be what I love to do." 

   Reid can be reached at 704-735-3799 to book for weddings, clubs, events, parties and other occasions.

jeff@jlrproductions.com