| Vocalist of the popular late 60s band 'The Troggs' Date of Birth: 12.06.1941 Country: Great Britain |
Reginald Maurice Ball, later known as Reg Presley, was born in Andover, Hampshire, England, in 1941. In the early 1960s, he worked as a bricklayer when guitarist Dave Wright approached him to form a band. Presley, despite having little experience on bass, took on the role of both vocalist and bassist. In 1964, they debuted as "Troglodytes."
In 1965, the band signed a contract with Larry Page, manager of "The Kinks." Page envisioned them as an alternative to his group, offering a heavier, more primal sound. Presley emerged as the lead vocalist, his passionate and distinct delivery captivating audiences. Upon Page's suggestion, he adopted his stage name, Presley, hoping to evoke associations with Elvis Presley and attract broader attention.
The band's first major hit, a cover of Chip Taylor's "Wild Thing," became an anthem for "garage rock" in the 1960s. While they were unable to replicate the same level of success with subsequent singles, they continued to enjoy popularity in the UK. Hits included "With a Girl Like You" (1966), "I Can't Control Myself" (1966), and "Love Is All Around" (1967), the latter of which was later re-recorded and topped the charts by "Wet Wet Wet."
The Troggs' activity diminished in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, they attempted a revival. Presley became embroiled in a sensational UFO incident in 1995, claiming on live television that he had witnessed a film depicting the autopsy of an alien recovered from the 1947 Roswell crash.
Reg Presley's legacy extends beyond his time with "The Troggs." His composition "Love Is All Around" has been covered by numerous artists and remains a timeless classic.
Presley's final album with "The Troggs" was released in 1992. His unique vocal style and passionate stage presence continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic voices of the British rock scene.