Tenor saxophonist Reed is a longtime fixture on Chicago's South side blues club circuit. He has worked with virtually every bandleader to come out of Chicago in the 1960s, including Earl Hooker and Buddy Guy. In the 1970s he worked with powerhouse guitarist Son Seals, before moving over to a long stint with the late Texas guitar hero Albert Collins. His high profile in Collins' band led to a career as a leader that has taken him around the world on the international festival circuit.