An aspiring guitarist, Reese was initially turned down by the Rock Kings, a local El Paso band,[1] before joining the Counts in April 1958.

Under the name the Royal Lancers, the group evolved for two years, and Reese soon found his calling as a lead guitarist in El Paso.

Notable members of the Embers included Howard Steele on bass, Dalton Powell on piano, and Bobby Fuller on drums.

By 1961, Fuller sought to head his own band, and recorded his first single, featuring him on vocals and guitar for the first time, while backed by Reese the Embers.

This time around, Bob Keane, head of Del-Fi records saw great potential in the band, and signed them to his label.

Reese had been opposed to the name, as it suggests a higher role for Fuller, despite the rest of the band contributing equally.

The band's biggest hit followed with "I Fought the Law", featuring Reese providing rhythm guitar and backing vocals.

Reese contributed to both of the band's studio albums, KRLA King of the Wheels and I Fought the Law in 1965 and 1966, respectively.

On October 26, 1991, after playing a round of golf, Reese suffered a fatal heart attack as he was returning to his truck.