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Neil Reid
Neil Reid
Neil Reid
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Key Information

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

Career

[edit]

Known also 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 Records shortly afterwards, went to number two on the UK Singles Chart following a performance on Top of the Pops.[4][5] The "Mother of Mine" record sold over 250,000 copies in the United Kingdom, and over 2.5 million globally.[6] It also sold around 400,000 copies in Japan alone.[6]

Reid's self-titled album went to number one in 1972, making Reid the youngest person to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart, at the age of 12 years 9 months. This remains one of the very few Number 1 selling albums that has never had an official CD release and as such is unavailable in this format.

Reid's follow-up single three months later "That's What I Want To Be" peaked at number 45,[7] and Reid quickly faded from national prominence 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. He did a final round of concerts in 1974 in South Africa, where he toured with the Irish pop group The Bachelors. Reid's 1974 single (his last recording), "Hazel Eyes", was released in South Africa to coincide with the tour.[citation needed]

After leaving show business, Reid became an independent financial adviser and a management consultant.[8] In 2008 he was interviewed by Amanda Holden about his child stardom for ITV1's When Britain First Had Talent in January 2008.[citation needed] In 2024 he took part in the BBC documentary Lena Zavaroni: The Forgotten Child Star.[9]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Album and details Peak positions
UK
Neil Reid
  • Released: 1972
  • Record label: Decca
 1
Smile
  • Released: 1972
  • Record label: Decca
Track list
  1. Smile
  2. The Wishing Tree
  3. Over The Rainbow
  4. Glory of Scotland
  5. Bless This House
  6. You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby
  7. If Wishes Were Ships
  8. Side By Side
  9. Blue Star
  10. Walkin' My Baby Back Home
  11. Sailboat
  12. For Me & My Gal
  13. The Road & The Miles to Dundee
  14. With a Little Love
  15. The Sunshine of Your Smile
  16. When You're Smiling

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak positions Album
UK
1971 "Mother of Mine" 2 Neil Reid
1972 "That's What I Want to Be" 45

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Neil Reid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Neil Reid (born 1959) is a Scottish former child singing star who achieved brief but significant fame in the early 1970s as the youngest artist to reach number one on the . Born in , , Reid was discovered at the age of eight in 1968 while singing at a party for elderly pensioners, leading to early performances during school holidays at local clubs. Over the next few years, he honed his skills and gained national attention by winning the British talent competition Opportunity Knocks three times, with his final victory on 13 December 1971 performing the song "Mother of Mine." This success secured him a recording contract with , and his debut single, the sentimental ballad "Mother of Mine" (written by Bill Parkinson), was released in late 1971, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and selling nearly one million copies in the UK and over 4.5 million worldwide. Reid's self-titled debut , Neil Reid, followed in 1972 and topped the for three weeks, making him, at just 12 years old, the youngest act to achieve this milestone—a record he still holds. The featured covers of popular songs alongside "Mother of Mine" and showcased his clear, boyish vocals, earning him appearances on shows like . Despite follow-up singles such as "That's What I Want to Be" charting modestly, Reid's career as a recording artist waned by 1974, unable to sustain the initial hype amid the shifting pop landscape. In his later years, Reid transitioned away from music, working as a financial adviser before becoming a management consultant based in Blackpool, England. In 2010, he founded Oasis Blackpool, a progressive church community, reflecting on his childhood fame with no regrets and focusing on community and personal growth. In 2024, he appeared in the BBC documentary Lena Zavaroni: The Girl Who Chased Dreams.

Early life

Childhood in Glasgow

Neil Reid was born in 1959 in , . He grew up in the nearby industrial town of , approximately 12 miles southeast of in central . This area, part of the broader region, was characterized by its proximity to Glasgow's and its role in 's sector during the era. Reid grew up in the socioeconomic context of , a period marked by relative economic stability in the but underlying challenges from trends that began to erode traditional jobs. , with its steelworks and firms, exemplified the working-class communities reliant on such industries, where hovered around 2-3% but social structures emphasized community ties and local . His family provided a supportive environment for his emerging interests, later demonstrating their involvement by securing chaperones' licenses to accompany him during early professional engagements. Reid's initial passion for singing manifested in local settings, culminating in a notable performance at a pensioners' party near his home in 1968, when he was eight years old.

Discovery as a performer

At the age of eight, Neil Reid first gained public notice as a performer during a party for old-age pensioners in 1968, where he delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Mother of Mine" that deeply moved the audience. This informal event in his local Scottish community marked the beginning of his recognition. The performance attracted local interest, positioning Reid as a promising child artist in an era when young performers were emerging through community events and regional showcases. In the years immediately following the party, Reid made his first amateur appearances at local clubs, honing his skills through these modest platforms before gaining wider exposure. These early outings highlighted the excitement of child performing in late Britain, where Reid balanced school life with the thrill of stage time, navigating the novelty of audience applause at such a young age.

Professional career

Breakthrough on Opportunity Knocks

Neil Reid's breakthrough came through his participation in the ITV talent competition Opportunity Knocks, hosted by , which featured a variety of amateur acts performing live before a studio audience. The show's format involved acts competing in weekly heats, with winners determined by public postcard votes tallied and announced the following week, supplemented by a "clapometer" device that visually gauged audience applause for added entertainment. Reid, who had been discovered three years earlier singing at a local pensioners' party in 1968, auditioned for the program and advanced through multiple rounds against other performers, showcasing his clear, emotive voice suited to sentimental ballads. On December 13, 1971, the 12-year-old Reid secured victory in a decisive heat by performing "Mother of Mine," a heartfelt song written by Bill Parkinson, delivering it with a maturity that belied his youth. This win, which Reid achieved three times overall on the show, propelled him to national attention as a , earning him the affectionate nickname "Wee Neil Reid" in the press. The performance highlighted his boyish charm and straightforward vocal style, resonating strongly with family audiences who appreciated the song's nostalgic tribute to maternal love. In the immediate aftermath, Reid's triumph generated significant media buzz, positioning him as one of the earliest examples of a reality TV contestant achieving rapid commercial success. He was promptly signed to a with , which rush-released his version of "Mother of Mine" as a single, capitalizing on the exposure from the broadcast. Public reception was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers drawn to Reid's innocent appeal and the emotional sincerity of his delivery, though some critics noted the performance's saccharine quality; nonetheless, it marked the launch of his brief but impactful professional career.

Recording success and chart peaks

Following his victory on the television Opportunity Knocks, which secured him a recording contract with , Neil Reid achieved immediate commercial success with his debut single "Mother of Mine," released in late 1971. The , written by Bill Parkinson, peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent 20 weeks in total, and became one of the year's top-selling releases with over 250,000 copies sold in the UK alone. Globally, the single surpassed 2.5 million units, including approximately 400,000 copies in , reflecting its broad international appeal. Building on this momentum, Reid's self-titled debut album arrived in early and topped the for three weeks, establishing him as the youngest artist ever—at just 12 years and 9 months old—to reach number 1 on that ranking, a record that stands to this day. The album featured covers of popular songs alongside "Mother of Mine," capturing Reid's clear, boyish vocals and contributing to his brief but intense stardom. His follow-up single, "That's What I Want to Be," released later in , charted more modestly at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart, signaling a gradual decline in his domestic momentum. Reid's recording success extended to international engagements, including a promotional tour to in November 1972, where he performed at the prestigious World Popular Song Festival at in amid strong local sales of his single. He also shared billing with veteran Irish act on tour dates in in 1974, highlighting his growing profile on global stages during his active years.

Retirement from music

By the mid-1970s, Neil Reid's career as a child performer faced significant challenges due to the natural changes of , particularly the breaking of his voice around age 14-15 in 1973-1974, which altered his and diminished the boyish appeal that had fueled his earlier success. This physiological shift, combined with waning public interest in child stars as Reid matured, led to a rapid decline in fan engagement, including a noticeable drop in . Reid's final professional engagements included a series of concerts in in 1974, marking the end of his touring activities abroad. Coinciding with this tour, his last single, a cover of " Eyes" (originally by ), was released exclusively in by , but it failed to achieve any chart success in the UK or elsewhere. Ultimately, Reid made a personal decision to retire from the music industry, influenced by the impact of on his performance style and the broader shift in audience preferences away from his original child-star image following his breakthrough hits like "Mother of Mine." This choice allowed him to step away from the pressures of at a young age.

Discography

Albums

Neil Reid's debut studio album, titled Neil Reid, was released in 1972 by Decca Records (catalog SKL 5122). Produced by Paul Raymonde with sleeve notes by Decca executive , the album features a mix of covers of pop standards and ballads, including "Mother of Mine" (his breakthrough single), "" (Beatles cover), "," and "." The full track listing is as follows:
  • You're the Cream in My Coffee
  • On the Sunny Side of the Street
  • Ye Banks and Braes
  • If I Could Write a Song
  • When I Take My Sugar to Tea
  • My Mother's Eyes
  • I'm Gonna Knock on Your Door
  • The Sweetheart Tree
  • One Little Word Called Love
  • How Small We Are, How Little We Know
  • Ten Guitars
  • Mother of Mine
It peaked at number 1 on the for three weeks and spent a total of 16 weeks in the top 75, capitalizing on Reid's Opportunity Knocks fame and making him the youngest artist to top the chart at age 12. Commercially, it achieved strong sales in the UK, driven by the sentimental appeal of its title track and nostalgic selections, though critical reception focused more on Reid's vocal maturity than innovation. As of 2025, the album has not received an official , remaining primarily available on vinyl and unofficial digital uploads. Reid's second album, , followed later in 1972 on Decca (catalog SKL 5136), shifting toward lighter, more optimistic themes with child-friendly covers of classics. The track listing includes: Produced under Decca's oversight, it emphasized upbeat arrangements to suit Reid's youthful image but saw lesser commercial success, peaking at number 47 on the with only two weeks in the top 75. Sales were modest compared to the debut, reflecting a post-peak interest in Reid's career, and reception noted its cheerful tone without significant acclaim. A third studio album, I'll Walk with God, also appeared in 1972 on Decca (UK catalog SKL 5145), featuring religious and inspirational hymns in a gospel-influenced style. Produced by Phil Solomon, it includes covers such as "," "," and "." The track listing comprises: This release did not chart in the UK and had limited sales, targeted at a niche audience amid Reid's brief career. Like the others, it lacks an official CD edition as of 2025, with no notable compilations or reissues of Reid's albums post-retirement.

Singles

Neil Reid's singles discography primarily consists of releases on the Decca label during the early 1970s, reflecting his brief but notable chart presence as a child performer. His debut single, "Mother of Mine," became a major success, while subsequent releases achieved more modest results. Later efforts, including a final single on Philips, marked the end of his recording career without significant commercial impact.
TitleRelease DateLabel (Catalogue)B-SideUK Peak (Weeks)
"Mother of Mine"December 1971Decca (F 13264)"If I Could Write a Song"#2 (20) [] (https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/neil-reid-mother-of-mine/)
"That's What I Want to Be"April 1972Decca (F 13300)"If Wishes Were Ships"#41 (6) [] (https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/neil-reid-thats-what-i-want-to-be/)
"End of the World"1973Decca (F 13410)"Joanna, Marry Me"(Did not chart) [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/9133764-Neil-Reid-End-Of-The-World)
"Hazel Eyes"May 1974Philips (6006 389)"You're the Wine in My Life"(Did not chart; South Africa release also issued) [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/3865432-Neil-Reid-Hazel-Eyes) [] (https://www.45cat.com/record/6006389)
"Mother of Mine," written by Bill Parkinson, was released following Reid's victory on Opportunity Knocks in December 1971, where he performed the song at age 12. It entered the UK Singles Chart on 1 January 1972 at #14, climbing steadily to reach its peak of #2 by mid-January, where it remained for several weeks before being kept from #1 by ' "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing." The single spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart, including 8 in the Top 10, and sold over 250,000 copies in the UK alone, with significant international success exceeding 2.5 million units globally, including around 400,000 in . [] (https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2023/11/07/mother-of-mine-neil-reid/) [] (https://en.kidsmusic.info/artists/neil-reid) Its sentimental lyrics about a child's to his mother resonated widely, contributing to Reid's status as a and amplifying the cultural phenomenon of child stars on British television. The follow-up, "That's What I Want to Be," also penned by Parkinson with additional writers, entered the on 8 April 1972 at #49 and peaked at #41, lasting 6 weeks with modest sales. The song's explore the theme of a young boy's aspiration to become a professional singer, inspired by his experiences in the music industry. Single versions appear on Reid's debut album, but it failed to replicate the breakout success of his prior release. "End of the World," a cover of the hit, was issued as a promotional single in 1973 but did not enter the charts, receiving limited airplay and distribution. Reid's final single, "Hazel Eyes," a cover of Roy Wood's 1973 track, was released in May 1974 to coincide with a South African tour. Produced in the on Philips and also issued locally in South Africa, it marked Reid's last recording effort amid his transition away from music, achieving no entry and minimal commercial traction.

Later life and legacy

Post-music career

Following his retirement from music in 1974 due to changes in his voice, Neil Reid transitioned into finance, becoming a with the . He later worked as an independent financial adviser for nearly two decades before shifting to management consulting in . In the early 2000s, Reid founded and led the Christian Fellowship choir, where he performed weekly, while also serving as a counselor for performers through For Entertainment. By 2010, he had established Oasis , a progressive church emphasizing community gatherings over traditional structures. In 2012, he founded Foodbank, which evolved into The Big Food Project; as its chairman, he oversees the redistribution of surplus food to 125 organizations across and surrounding areas, including 400 tonnes in 2024 and 17,600 meals in the week prior to November 17, 2025, amid rising demand from the cost-of-living crisis. As of November 2025, the project faces potential closure due to declining donations and volunteer shortages. Reid married Elaine Cassells, a part-time model he met at age 12, around 1989, and they settled in , , to start a , including at least one . He has maintained a low-profile life, prioritizing stability and over any return to .

Media appearances and recognition

In 2008, Reid participated in an interview on ITV1's When Britain First Had Talent, hosted by Amanda Holden, where he discussed the challenges and highlights of his child stardom during the early 1970s talent show era. Reid featured prominently in the 2024 BBC Scotland documentary Lena Zavaroni: The Forgotten Child Star, sharing insights on the shared experiences of young performers like himself and Zavaroni, both managed by the same agency and propelled to fame through television talent competitions. Reid holds the record as the youngest artist to achieve a number-one album, with his self-titled debut reaching the top spot at age 12 years and 9 months in 1972, a milestone that continues to appear in music and histories. The song "Mother of Mine," Reid's breakthrough hit, has endured as a sentimental staple for celebrations, often featured in nostalgic playlists and tributes, while clips from his Opportunity Knocks performances receive occasional re-airings on archival programs. The track has also inspired covers, including versions by in English and in French as "Maman Chérie," underscoring its lasting emotional appeal across generations.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1477002-Neil-Reid-3
  2. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/mother-of-mine-it-s-her-day-so-why-not-serenade-her-1921042.html
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/neil-reid/mother-of-mine
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/neil-reid-mother-of-mine/
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19720227/7502/
  6. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14510/neil-reid/
  7. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/former-child-star-repped-tragic-33782366
  8. https://www.economicsobservatory.com/how-has-deindustrialisation-shaped-debates-about-scottish-independence
  9. https://brill.com/downloadpdf/book/9789401209809/B9789401209809-s005.pdf
  10. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100411914
  11. https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/opportunity-knocks-clapometer-television-technology
  12. https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1950s/opportunity-knocks/
  13. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9661000/9661126.stm
  14. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2023/11/07/mother-of-mine-neil-reid/
  15. https://artisteschartsventes.blogspot.com/p/japon.html
  16. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-youngest-acts-to-enter-the-official-uk-charts-revealed__13623/
  17. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19720402/7501/
  18. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neil-reid/1972/nippon-budokan-tokyo-japan-3860d2f.html
  19. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Where+are+they+now%3f%3b+Neil+Reid.-a091512041
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/3865432-Neil-Reid-Hazel-Eyes
  21. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yre9yv5vzo
  22. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ex0jn71yvo
  23. https://en.kidsmusic.info/artists/neil-reid
  24. https://talkaboutpopmusic.com/2020/02/13/trivia-the-youngest-uk-album-chart-topping-artists/
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