[2] He moved to Chicago during World War II, playing with Earl Hooker and Willie Mabon in the 1940s.

[2] He toured with Dennis "Long Man" Binder in 1956,[3] and worked extensively as a sideman for Mel London's blues record labels Chief/Profile/Age in the 1960s, with Lillian Offitt and Ricky Allen, among others.

[3] He became a member of Buddy Guy's band in 1967,[3] playing with him on his tour of Africa in 1969 and, with Junior Wells, opening for the Rolling Stones in 1970.

[2] His 1987 album, I'm in the Wrong Business!, includes cameo appearances by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt.

[2] Reed toured extensively in the 1980s and 1990s with his band, the Spark Plugs,[4] featuring guitarist Jerry "Hot Rod" DeMink, playing small venues throughout the United States.