The voice behind “Only You” and “My Prayer” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” passed away at a Boston-area hospice on Monday, according to People. His manager, Fred Balboni, said the Kansas City, Missouri native had suffered chronic lung problems but continued touring, doing up to 200 shows a year until 2011.
The group’s first hit single “The Great Pretender” rose to the top of the charts in 1955. It became the first song by a R&B group to hit number one.
Even though the group changed members over time, Reed was the only member whose voice appeared on all 400 recordings.
The Platters were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Reed is survived by his son Herbert, Jr. and three grandsons.