Mike Reid

Mike Reid is a fascinating artist who made the rare transition from professional sports to music. Born in 1947 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Reid was a standout defensive tackle in the NFL, playing five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and earning two Pro Bowl selections. After retiring from football, he shifted his focus entirely to music, moving to Nashville in the early 1980s. Reid became a highly successful country songwriter, penning hits like Ronnie Milsap’s Grammy-winning “Stranger in My House” and Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” He released solo albums such as *Turning for Home* and *Twilight Town* and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

More recently, Reid has collaborated with fellow songwriter Joe Henry on the 2025 album *Life and Time*, which showcases both artists’ strengths in piano-driven storytelling and intimate, reflective songwriting. This new project reflects a more contemplative and mature phase of Reid’s long and varied career, combining rich lyricism with nuanced musical textures including pedal steel and upright bass. Beyond songwriting and performing, Reid has also composed music for multiple musicals, further demonstrating his diverse talents in the arts.