Introduction to Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid is a British-born American guitarist, songwriter, and composer who has made an indelible impact on the rock music scene. Known for his blistering riffs and inventive style, Reid first rose to prominence in the 1980s as the founder and lead guitarist of the groundbreaking rock band Living Colour.
Born in London to Caribbean immigrant parents, Reid moved with his family to New York City as a child. He displayed prodigious talent on the guitar from a young age, honing his skills on the thriving 1970s New York music scene. Reid drew inspiration from an eclectic range of influences, from rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa to jazz artists like John Coltrane. This diverse musical background helped Reid develop his own unique sound and approach to the guitar.
By the mid-1980s, Reid was an established session musician and guitarist. But he had greater ambitions – to form an African American rock band that would break down racial barriers in the music industry. In 1984, Reid brought together a talented group of musicians to create Living Colour. With Reid as the visionary founder and inventive guitarist, Living Colour would soon shake up the rock world.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Vernon Reid was born in London in 1958 to Caribbean immigrant parents. As a young child, his family relocated to New York City where Reid was raised in Brooklyn. From a young age, Reid became enthralled with rock music after discovering albums by Cream and Jimi Hendrix. The raw energy and fiery guitar playing on these records made a profound impact on Reid and shaped his future musical path.
In his early teens, Reid began exploring playing the guitar himself. He was highly influenced by the work of guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and Frank Zappa. Their unique styles and innovative techniques inspired Reid to develop his own eclectic guitar approach that blended elements of rock, funk, jazz, and blues. Reid was also heavily inspired by African and Caribbean music he was exposed to while growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn.
As a mostly self-taught guitarist, Reid tirelessly practiced and honed his skills throughout his teenage years. He became known in New York music circles for his advanced chops and ability to fluidly combine different genres into his own distinctive style. This early development and meshing of influences set the stage for Reid’s future career as one of the most groundbreaking guitarists of his generation.
Formation of Living Colour
In 1984, Vernon Reid placed an advertisement in The Village Voice looking for musicians to form an all-black rock band. He connected with Corey Glover as vocalist, Muzz Skillings on bass, and Will Calhoun on drums to complete the lineup for Living Colour.
The band got their start playing CBGB in New York City, which was the birthplace of many influential punk and new wave acts. Living Colour stood out for bringing a unique fusion of heavy metal, funk, jazz, hip hop and alternative rock.
Their original music combined Reid’s inventive guitar playing, Calhoun’s complex drum patterns, Skillings funk-inspired bass grooves, and Glover’s wide vocal range and showmanship. The band offered an innovative take on rock that wasn’t commonly associated with black musicians at the time.
Living Colour spent their early days developing their sound through high-energy live shows. They started building a following with their blend of genres and Reid’s guitar heroics. This set the stage for them to emerge as pioneers and shake up perceptions of what a rock band could look like.
Breakthrough with Vivid
Reid formed Living Colour in 1984 with bassist Muzz Skillings, vocalist Corey Glover, and drummer Will Calhoun. After playing the downtown club scene, the band signed with Epic Records and released their debut album Vivid in 1988. Vivid was an immediate breakthrough success, peaking at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s hit single, "Cult of Personality," won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1990.
With its explosive collision of rock, funk, jazz, and hip hop, Vivid shattered racial stereotypes in the music industry. Reid’s pioneering guitar work on songs like "Cult of Personality" and "Glamour Boys" forged new creative territory for the electric guitar. His rapid-fire solos, whammy bar dives, and slick rhythms announced the arrival of a bold new guitar hero. Vivid put Living Colour at the vanguard of late 80s rock music and paved the way for future generations of black rock musicians.
Guitar Playing Style and Technique
Vernon Reid has developed a highly distinctive guitar playing style that incorporates influences from various genres, including rock, funk, metal, and jazz. He is known for blending these diverse styles into his unique sound.
A key aspect of Reid’s technique is his integration of unconventional methods not typically associated with rock guitar. He makes liberal use of effects like distortion and feedback to create innovative textures. Reid also utilizes advanced techniques like two-handed tapping and whammy bar dives seamlessly within his solos.
His playing often transitions fluidly between lightning-fast shreds and slower, melodic passages. The contrasts create tension and excitement within his improvisational style. Reid’s mastery of the guitar allows him to fuse technically demanding passages with soulful musicality.
The guitarist also embraces a wide array of tones and colors within his playing. From warm, clean jazz tones to the raw crunch of hard rock distortion, Reid selects sounds tailored to the needs of each composition. He also incorporates textures inspired by funk and African music, such as octave parts and staccato 16th-note rhythms.
Reid has collaborated with many other esteemed guitarists over his career, including Nuno Bettencourt of the band Extreme. These collaborations have allowed him to blend his style with other players and continue expanding his eclectic musical vocabulary. Above all, Vernon Reid’s one-of-a-kind integration of genres, techniques, and textures has made him one of the most innovative guitarists in modern music.
Solo Projects and Collaborations
Reid has pursued a number of solo projects and collaborations outside of his work with Living Colour. In 1996, he released his first solo album called Mistaken Identity, which incorporated jazz, funk, and alternative rock elements. While it did not achieve significant mainstream success, the album demonstrated Reid’s versatility and command of various musical styles.
One of Reid’s most ambitious side projects was the avant-garde band Masque, which he formed in the mid-90s. Masque released two albums, Masque and Black Masque, which blended various genres like rock, funk, jazz, and 20th century classical music. The group was known for their intense improvisational live performances.
In 2001, Reid released his second solo album titled Other True Self, which featured collaborations with Outkast’s Andre 3000. The album had a more electronic and hip-hop influenced sound compared to his earlier work.
Over the years, Reid has also collaborated with numerous high-profile artists on various projects. He contributed guitar work to Mick Jagger’s 2001 album Goddess in the Doorway and joined Jagger’s band for a world tour. Reid also collaborated with jazz bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Simon Phillips in the band Spectrum Road, releasing a 2012 album as a tribute to Tony Williams’ jazz fusion band Lifetime.
Reid continues to pursue creative side projects while also remaining an active member of Living Colour. His willingness to explore new musical territory and collaborate with a diverse array of artists underscores his adventurous spirit as both a guitarist and composer.
Activism and Influence
Reid has been an outspoken advocate for greater representation of black musicians in the rock genre. In 1985, he co-founded the Black Rock Coalition along with journalist Greg Tate and other black musicians. The organization’s mission was to combat racial barriers and increase visibility for black rock bands and artists.
As a pioneer in the field, Reid used his platform and influence to speak out against the stereotype that rock was only for white musicians. He pushed back against industry executives and media that would label Living Colour as "Black rock" rather than just a rock band. Reid argued that the music industry and rock journalism failed to give appropriate coverage to talented black acts.
Throughout his career, he has mentored and highlighted emerging black rock artists. Reid has stressed the importance of ensuring younger generations of black musicians have the opportunities and support to succeed in the industry. His advocacy helped pave the way for more inclusivity and integration of black musicians into the mainstream rock world.
Even outside of the Black Rock Coalition, Reid has leveraged his celebrity to bring light to racial injustice and representation in society at large. He has participated in initiatives supporting criminal justice reform and voting rights. The lyrics of Living Colour’s songs often touch on racial discrimination, police brutality, and the African American experience. Reid uses his music as a vehicle to raise awareness and enact change.
Recent Projects
Reid continues to stay active and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. He is currently a member of three notable bands:
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Spectrum Road – Formed in 2012, Spectrum Road is a jazz fusion supergroup that pays tribute to the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Reid plays guitar alongside keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. The band released a self-titled album in 2012 and continues to perform live shows sporadically.
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Masters of Ceremony – Masters of Ceremony is a hip hop group Reid formed with emcee DJ Logic and drummer Keith Carlock in 2016. Their music fuses elements of rock, funk, and hip hop. The group released an EP titled Masters of Ceremony in 2019.
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The Vernon Reid Band – Reid’s solo band focuses on his unique, genre-bending guitar playing. The current lineup includes bassist Melvin Gibbs and drummer Will Calhoun, both former members of Living Colour. The Vernon Reid Band remains active with live performances and putting out new music.
In addition to these bands, Reid frequently collaborates on one-off projects. He appeared on two tracks on singer Ledisi’s 2017 album Let Love Rule. Reid also joined guitarist Nels Cline to record an album-length improvisation titled Temporary Kings in 2020. He remains dedicated to creating innovative music through these various collaborations.
Social Media Presence
Reid has maintained an active presence on social media platforms over the past several years, regularly engaging with fans and sharing his latest music and projects. His most active profile is on Instagram (@vurnt22), where he posts photos and videos from the studio, backstage, and on tour.
With over 50,000 followers on Instagram, Reid frequently interacts with fans who comment on his posts. He often responds directly to questions about gear, musical influences, touring stories, and more. Fans get a glimpse into his life through behind-the-scenes photos and videos from time spent in the studio and on the road.
On Instagram, Reid also promotes his latest albums, singles, and collaborations. When he released his most recent solo album "Other True Self" in 2018, he shared clips of new songs and links to streaming platforms. He’ll also post about his various side projects and bands that he’s currently playing guitar with.
Overall, Reid’s Instagram provides an authentic look at his enduring passion for music even after decades in the industry. By engaging with fans on social media, he continues to inspire new generations of guitarists and music lovers.
Legacy and Impact
Vernon Reid’s legacy and impact on music cannot be understated. He is widely considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time, fusing together genres like rock, funk, metal, and jazz into his own unique sound. Reid has pushed musical boundaries with his unconventional guitar techniques and willingness to experiment.
As the founder and guitarist for Living Colour, Reid demonstrated that rock music wasn’t defined by race. The band broke down barriers for black musicians in the rock genre. Reid has inspired generations of musicians not only with his guitar skills, but with lyrics promoting social justice and giving voice to issues like racism.
Reid is credited with advancing and popularizing the fusion of rock and funk. His rhythmically complex, hard rock guitar style incorporated funk grooves that were groundbreaking. Reid expanded the possibilities of rock guitar, paving the way for future players.
Throughout his career, Reid has collaborated with icons ranging from Mick Jagger to Prince to Jack Bruce. Yet his own artistic vision and innovative musical spirit have always shone through. Reid continues to explore new sounds and ideas over 40 years into his career.
Vernon Reid’s influence can be felt across rock, metal, funk, and jazz. His unique style and willingness to push boundaries have inspired countless musicians. Even as one of the greatest guitarists ever, Reid continues to create, innovate, and share his love of music. His legacy is sure to impact generations to come.