Craig Reid is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician born on March 5, 1962, in Leith, Edinburgh.
He is best known as one half of the iconic Scottish rock duo The Proclaimers, alongside his identical twin brother Charlie Reid.
Together, the brothers are renowned for their powerful, distinctive vocal harmonies, strong Scottish accents, and songs that often reflect themes of Scottish identity, politics, love, and everyday life.
Craig typically handles lead vocals on many tracks while playing percussion instruments such as tambourine, bongos, and maracas in live performances.
Siblings
Craig has one sibling, his identical twin brother, Charlie Reid, with whom he has performed and recorded as The Proclaimers since 1983.
The brothers were born in Leith and grew up in Edinburgh, Cornwall, and primarily Auchtermuchty in Fife.
Their close bond has been central to their music and public life, though they have lived apart for many years as adults while raising their own families.
Career
Craig and Charlie Reid began their musical journey influenced by their parents’ eclectic record collection of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, soul, and country.
As teenagers, they played in punk bands before forming The Proclaimers as an acoustic duo in 1983.
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Their breakthrough came in 1986–87 after supporting The Housemartins, leading to a deal with Chrysalis Records.
Their debut album This Is the Story (1987) featured the hit “Letter from America,” which reached the UK Top 3.
The follow-up album Sunshine on Leith (1988) brought international fame with the enduring anthem “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” which gained massive popularity in the 1990s through films like Benny & Joon and later revivals.
The duo has released numerous studio albums, including Restless Soul, Notes & Rhymes, and more recent politically charged works like Dentures Out.
They have toured extensively, sold millions of records worldwide, and inspired the hit stage musical Sunshine on Leith.
Craig continues to write, record, and perform with his brother, maintaining their signature raw energy and commitment to Scottish roots.
Accolades
The Proclaimers have achieved significant commercial success with gold and platinum certifications for singles and albums in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” remains a global staple, frequently featured in films, commercials, and events.
In 1987, they were voted Best New Act at the NME Awards.
Their enduring impact on Scottish culture has been recognized through high-profile live rankings (such as being named among the UK’s top touring acts), the success of the Sunshine on Leith musical, and consistent critical respect for their authenticity and songwriting.
In recent years, they have received lifetime achievement-style honors, including runner-up for Legend of the Year at the Scottish Live Music Awards.
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