Neil Reid

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For the 20th century Atlanta based architect, see Neel Reid

Neil Reid (born 1959 in Scotland), is a Scottish former child singing star, winner of ITV's Opportunity Knocks, and the holder of the title youngest person to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart.[1]

Known as "Wee Neil Reid," he was eight when he was discovered singing at a pensioners' party in 1968.[2] Reid won Opportunity Knocks on 13 December 1971 singing his version of Mother of Mine,[3] which when released commercially by Decca afterwards went to number two on the UK Singles Chart after a performance on Top of the Pops.[4][5]

Reid's self-titled album also went to number one in 1972, making Reid the holder of the title youngest person to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart at the age of 12 years 9 months old. The youngest girl to top the chart is Canadian artist Avril Lavigne at 17 years and 3 months with Let Go in 2003.[1]

Reids follow-up single three months later That's what I want to be peaked at No.45, and Reid quickly faded from national obscurity to performing on the Northern England Working men's club circuit. Two years after winning Opportunity Knocks, Reid's voice broke and as a result he gave up professional singing.

Reid is now an Independent Financial Adviser living in Blackpool, Lancashire; interviewed by Amanda Holden about his child stardom for ITV1's When Britain First Had Talent in January 2008.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Record Breakers and Trivia : Albums. everyhit.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  2. ^ Star of Billy Elliot bows out after his voice breaks. The Independent (30 September 2006). Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  3. ^ Synopses: Opportunity Knocks, 20/12/71. BFI Database. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  4. ^ Show Biz Sam. Scottish Daily Record (October 8 2005). Retrieved on 2008-01-05.
  5. ^ Neil Reid. firstfoot.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-05.

[edit] External links


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