07/02/2015
In the vibrant tapestry of British music, certain names resonate far beyond the confines of the recording studio, their influence echoing through diverse cultural landscapes. One such luminary was Les Reed, a master craftsman of melody whose compositions not only dominated the pop charts of the 1960s and 70s but also indelibly etched themselves into the very soul of English football. While his name might immediately conjure images of crooning sensations like Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, for legions of football enthusiasts, particularly those clad in white at Elland Road, Reed is synonymous with something far more profound: 'Marching On Together', the timeless anthem of Leeds United.
Les Reed, born Leslie David Reed in Woking, Surrey, on 24th July 1935, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age. By six, he was already proficient on the piano, a skill that would underpin a career spanning decades and genres. His formative years saw him performing as part of a troupe of child entertainers, bringing cheer to recuperating service personnel after the Second World War. This early exposure to performance and the power of music undoubtedly shaped his future. He penned his first song at just 11 and by 15, he had formed 'The Les Reed Trio', showcasing an early entrepreneurial spirit alongside his burgeoning talent.
From National Service to Tin Pan Alley
Reed's path to musical stardom wasn't entirely conventional. After a stint in national service, a celebratory party for his demob proved serendipitous. It was there he met June, a local newspaper photographer, who would later become his wife in 1960, with none other than Adam Faith serving as best man. This personal foundation allowed Reed to fully immerse himself in his musical ambitions. His professional career gained significant traction with a two-year tenure as a pianist in the renowned John Barry Seven, a pivotal experience that honed his skills as a performer and arranger.
By 1962, Reed transitioned from performer to behind-the-scenes maestro, joining the Piccadilly label as musical director. Here, he oversaw hits for artists like Joe Brown, laying the groundwork for his future as a producer and arranger. However, his true ambition lay in songwriting. Inspired by New York's legendary Brill Building, Reed established his own publishing company, Donna Music (named after his daughter), on London's Denmark Street – affectionately known as Tin Pan Alley – in 1963. His vision was clear: to create a hit-writing factory, a place where melodies and lyrics could be expertly crafted into chart-topping sensations.
A Pen for Pop Royalty: The Chart Dominator
Reed's prolific output quickly made Donna Music a force to be reckoned with. His early collaborations with lyricist Geoff Stephens yielded successes like 'Tell Me When', a top 10 hit for The Applejacks in 1964. The duo also penned 'There's A Kind of Hush', a song that initially failed to make waves for Gary and the Hornets but found massive international success when covered by Herman's Hermits in 1967 and later by The Carpenters in 1976. This demonstrated Reed's knack for creating enduring melodies that could transcend different interpretations and eras.
However, it was his partnership with lyricists Gordon Mills and Barry Mason that propelled Reed to the zenith of pop songwriting. Gordon Mills, whom Reed had met during his touring days, became his manager, bringing a raw Welsh singer named Tommy Woodward to Reed's attention. This collaboration proved explosive. Woodward, soon to be known as Tom Jones, soared to global fame with the Reed-Mills composition 'It's Not Unusual', which topped the UK charts in 1965 and became a Top 10 hit in America. This song, originally offered to Sandie Shaw, perfectly showcased Reed's ability to craft catchy, powerful tunes that became instant classics.
The hits continued to flow. In 1968, Reed, Mason, and Sylvan Whittingham co-wrote 'Delilah', another monumental success for Tom Jones, reaching No. 2 in the UK and No. 15 in the US. Reed himself suggested the theme and title for this dramatic ballad, which later won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Song. Meanwhile, Mills had signed another singer, Gerry Dorsey, rebranding him as Engelbert Humperdinck. Reed and Mason provided Humperdinck with one of his most iconic songs, 'The Last Waltz', which spent five weeks atop the British charts. They also supplied him with other Top 10 hits such as 'Winter World of Love' and 'Les Bicyclettes de Belsize'. Other artists benefiting from Reed's golden touch included Des O’Connor, who took 'I Pretend' to No. 1 in 1968, and The Fortunes, who achieved No. 4 with 'Here It Comes Again'.
The Unexpected Anthem: Leeds United's Calling
While Reed was busy crafting international pop anthems, an unusual opportunity arose that would cement his legacy in an entirely different domain. In 1972, Don Revie, the legendary manager of Leeds United, sought to address the anti-Leeds sentiment that often accompanied his immensely talented team. He enlisted the help of sports artist and marketing genius Paul Trevillion, who proposed a radical idea: a club song to promote Leeds United's image. Trevillion, recalling his work with American agent Mark McCormack, approached Les Reed, understanding his unique talent for creating memorable tunes.
Reed, despite his already packed schedule, needed little convincing. He was, in his own words, 'a great fan of most of the Leeds players, not least Billy Bremner and Jackie Charlton'. The immediacy of the request was striking. The very day of the meeting, Reed contacted Geoff Stephens, who quickly penned the lyrics for 'Leeds United', a song intended as the A-side for the club's FA Cup Final single, featuring references to many of the team's star players. However, they needed a B-side. This is where Barry Mason stepped in, writing the lyrics for a song titled 'Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!' – a song that would, unexpectedly, become the enduring anthem we know today.
The recording session at Strawberry Studios in Manchester was a memorable affair. Reed personally arranged and conducted the songs, utilising the nucleus of the group 10cc, including Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart. The players themselves, dressed smartly in suits and ties, lent their voices to the tracks. Reed recalled being 'very proud of them', noting their enthusiastic participation. 'Leeds United' became a hit, peaking at number 10 in the charts. Yet, it was the B-side, 'Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!', that truly captured the hearts of the fans. Its simple, powerful chorus resonated deeply, and soon, it was being sung with fervent passion on the terraces of Elland Road. Its popularity grew so rapidly that it effectively became the new A-side, later retitled 'Marching On Together'. This anthem, too, quickly entered the charts, reaching number 10, cementing its place in musical and sporting history.
Don Revie was reportedly 'absolutely delighted with the outcome', though his pragmatic nature meant his last question was always, 'When are the royalties due?' The songs, along with other marketing initiatives suggested by Trevillion, such as blue sock tags, were given Revie's full seal of approval. Reed even ventured into goal at Elland Road to try and save a penalty from Peter Lorimer, a playful moment that further solidified his connection with the club.
The Enduring Legacy of 'Marching On Together'
'Marching On Together' (often abbreviated by fans as MOT) is more than just a song; it's a tribal marker, a declaration of belonging for Leeds United supporters. Its chorus is tattooed into the collective consciousness of every fan, sung by thousands in the anxious moments before every game at Elland Road. The line 'We've been through it all together' has taken on even deeper meaning in the decades since its release, resonating through periods of triumph and, perhaps more acutely, through times of immense struggle and heartbreak for the club. It embodies a belief in unity and resilience, a testament to Reed's uncanny ability to capture a profound emotional truth.
The song's impact is perhaps best understood when contrasted with Reed's other pop masterpieces. While hits like 'Delilah' or 'It's Not Unusual' might inspire a few people to sing along at karaoke once in a blue moon, 'Marching On Together' has the power to get an entire stadium of over 30,000 fans on their feet, singing in unison. This unparalleled connection to a passionate fanbase makes 'Marching On Together' a uniquely significant piece within Reed's extensive catalogue of chart successes. Its enduring power was further demonstrated in 2010, when an online campaign following Leeds United's promotion to the Championship saw the remastered anthem re-enter the charts, once again peaking at number 10.
Comparative Chart Success of Leeds United Anthems
| Song Title | Original Release | Peak Chart Position (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds United | 1972 (A-side) | No. 10 | Original primary song for FA Cup Final |
| Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! (Marching On Together) | 1972 (B-side) | No. 10 | Became the enduring anthem; re-charted at No. 10 in 2010 |
Beyond the Pitch and Pop Charts
Les Reed's influence wasn't limited to pop and football. He composed the score for the 1968 film 'The Girl on a Motorcycle' and served as musical director, conductor, and arranger for the Granada TV series 'The International Pop Proms', featuring vocalists like Roy Orbison and Johnny Mathis with The Hallé orchestra. He also served as a judge on the talent show 'New Faces' and wrote the theme for the remake of 'The Lady Vanishes'. His versatility and talent were undeniable.
Reed was recognised for his immense contributions to music, receiving the Freedom of the City of London in 1994 and an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1998. Although in his later years he tended to follow Arsenal, a testament to his continued love for football, his connection to Leeds United remained special. He described hearing the club's disappointing results as 'a wrench', and always expressed his delight when Leeds fans struck up 'Marching On Together'.
Frequently Asked Questions about Les Reed and 'Marching On Together'
- Who was Les Reed?
Les Reed (Leslie David Reed) was a highly acclaimed British songwriter, composer, musician, conductor, arranger, producer, and record-label owner. He was responsible for numerous chart-topping hits for artists like Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, and co-wrote the iconic Leeds United anthem, 'Marching On Together'. - What is 'Marching On Together' and what does MOT stand for?
'Marching On Together' is the official club anthem of Leeds United Football Club. It was originally titled 'Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!' and was the B-side to the 1972 FA Cup Final single 'Leeds United'. MOT is a widely used abbreviation by Leeds United fans, standing for 'Marching On Together', signifying unity and tribal membership within the fanbase. - When was 'Marching On Together' released?
'Marching On Together' (under its original title 'Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!') was released in 1972 as the B-side to the single 'Leeds United', coinciding with the club's FA Cup Final appearance that year. - Did Les Reed write other football songs?
Yes, while 'Marching On Together' is his most famous football anthem, his song 'Delilah', originally a hit for Tom Jones, also gained similar status as an anthem for Stoke City fans, who sing it at their matches. - Why is Les Reed important to Leeds United?
Les Reed is profoundly important to Leeds United because he co-created 'Marching On Together', a song that transcends mere musicality to become a symbol of the club's identity, resilience, and the unwavering unity of its fanbase. His words and melody have accompanied the club through every high and low for over five decades.
Les Reed passed away on 15th April 2019, aged 83. He is survived by his daughter, Donna. His legacy is multifaceted: a master of melody who crafted timeless pop classics, and a musical visionary whose unexpected foray into football anthems created a bond between a club and its supporters that endures to this day. His contributions to the soundscape of the 20th century, whether echoing from a radio or booming across a packed football stadium, ensure that his music, and his memory, will continue to march on together.
If you want to read more articles similar to Les Reed: The Maestro Behind Elland Road's Anthem, you can visit the Automotive category.