Les Reed (English songwriter, arranger and orchestra leader)

Overview and major works

Reed wrote or co-wrote a string of commercially successful songs that became standards for a number of singers. He is most often associated with Tom Jones's early hits, including "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah," and with Engelbert Humperdinck's signature ballad "The Last Waltz." Many of these compositions were created in partnership with lyricists and fellow songwriters such as Gordon Mills, Barry Mason and Geoff Stephens. Reed also collaborated with Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook and Johnny Worth during his career.

Style, roles and musical approach

Trained as a keyboard player and arranger, Reed combined an ear for melody with knowledge of orchestral colours. His work frequently blends pop songcraft with elements of light orchestration: sweeping strings, clear melodic hooks and arrangements designed to support and frame a singer's performance. Beyond songwriting he worked as an arranger and conductor, piloting studio sessions and leading his own ensemble, The Les Reed Orchestra, for recordings and broadcasts.

Career development and collaborations

Reed's songwriting partnerships were a central component of his output. He often supplied music to lyricists or worked in co-writing teams where duties were shared. These collaborations produced recordings that found success on the charts and in live performance repertoires. As an arranger he contributed to other artists' material across popular and light-music genres, and his orchestral leadership extended into radio and television work that introduced his arrangements to broad audiences.

Awards, honours and legacy

During his lifetime Reed received industry recognition including Ivor Novello Awards and numerous gold discs for sales of records featuring his songs. He was appointed OBE for his services to music. His melodies and arrangements remain part of the mid-20th-century British popular-music legacy; cover versions and nostalgic programming continue to keep several of his songs in circulation.

Selected songs and collaborations

• "It's Not Unusual" — co-written and associated with Tom Jones; one of Reed's earliest chart successes.
• "Delilah" — a dramatic pop ballad co-written with Barry Mason and recorded by Tom Jones.
• "The Last Waltz" — recorded by Engelbert Humperdinck and widely played at dances and on radio.
• Numerous songs with writers Gordon Mills, Geoff Stephens, Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook and Johnny Worth.

For short biographical summaries and discographies, see these resources: profile 1, profile 2, catalogue entry, award notes, orchestra information.

Further reading and archival material can be found via discography listings and feature articles: discography, interview archive, award archive, recording credits, biographical note, memorial and obituary.

Reed was born in Woking, Surrey, and he died on 15 April 2019 at age 83. His songs and arrangements continue to be performed and recorded, and he is remembered as a versatile figure who bridged popular songwriting and light orchestral music.