Alto Reed was an American saxophonist, most famously known for his tenure with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Reed graduated from Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, in 1966, marking the beginning of his journey into the world of music. His contribution to the Silver Bullet Band solidified his place in rock and roll history, making him a recognizable figure in the music industry.
On May 16, 1948, Thomas Neal Cartmell, later known as Alto Reed, was born.
In 1966, Alto Reed graduated from Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
In 1998, Alto Reed starred in a Detroit Convention Bureau tourism advertisement titled "It's a Great Time in Detroit".
In 2004, Alto Reed attended a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony with Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band.
In 2008, Alto Reed performed with The Ventures, including playing on "Hawaii Five-O" at the Waldorf Astoria during their own Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
In 2009, Alto Reed and his band, The Blues Entourage, performed at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
In August 2010, Steve Thorpe, a member of Alto Reed's band, The Blues Entourage, died.
On October 12, 2011, Alto Reed performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
On May 19, 2012, Alto Reed was inducted into the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame in Windsor, Ontario.
On July 14, 2012, Alto Reed headlined at a blues festival in Windsor, Ontario.
On November 22, 2012, Alto Reed performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Thanksgiving Day NFL game between the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans.
In March 2017, Alto Reed appeared as a special guest with Willie K. at the Willie K. Bluesfest on Maui.
Alto Reed died on December 30, 2020.