Beverley Knight Champions Music Careers: Breaking Barriers in Honor of Her Late Bandmate

Soul legend Beverley Knight, a passionate advocate for greater opportunities in music, has taken on a role as ambassador to a charitable foundation set up in memory of her musical director and guitarist Paul 'Reidy' Reid.

Paul, who worked with Beverley for over 25 years, died aged 54 on Christmas Day 2020. Now his widow Pauline and son Liam have launched an ongoing campaign to help aspiring performers and behind-the-scenes experts in his name.

Speaking after the launch of the Paul Reid Foundation in Birmingham, Beverley highlighted that supremely talented young people are being held back by financial constraints. She emphasized, "If you come from a disadvantaged background financially, you may have all the skill in the world, but success seems so far away from you. Reidy wanted to do something to bridge that gap, so that’s where the foundation comes in."

Beverley added that Reidy believed fervently in equality and fairness of opportunity for all. The Wolverhampton-born hitmaker and West End star pointed out that while talented pupils at many private schools continue to flourish, the UK’s state education sector is cutting music lessons. "Fee-paying schools recognize the transferable skills music brings," she said. "It’s not just about being supremely talented; music brings you confidence, resilience, and discipline."

At the gala launch event in Birmingham’s Park Regis Hotel, Beverley described Paul as a transformative figure in her life. "My life changed for the better the day I met Paul. He brought so much joy," she shared. Reflecting on their long collaboration, she noted, "He had been a part of my life for so long that I feel as though I had known him my whole life. We bonded immediately. His calm demeanor, leadership qualities, and faith meant we were instant friends. More than that, Reidy was family."

Through its programs, the Paul Reid Foundation will offer:

• Music scholarships supporting formal and informal study and training
• Mentorship opportunities with established musicians and creative professionals
• Access to local music programs and community resources that encourage learning, performance, and artistic exploration

Pauline Reid explained the foundation's mission: "I wanted to do something to genuinely help people who want to get into music. I know what it’s like for musicians to follow their heart and vocation. The Foundation has been established to honor Paul’s life, legacy, and enduring passion. Created with a mission to remove barriers to musical development, it will provide access to music education, mentorship, and creative opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds."

She added, "At its heart, the Paul Reid Foundation is about opening doors. Music has the power to shape lives, build confidence, and strengthen communities. Our mission is to ensure anyone with the passion to learn, perform, or create has the opportunity to do so."

Beverley concluded by expressing her commitment to the cause: "Reidy cared for up-and-coming talent. He cared about the young people in Brum who struggled to access opportunities to play and to learn studio and stage technique. While he is no longer here, his dream, his desire to help lives on, and I want to help fulfill that dream. With support, the Paul Reid Foundation can be a beacon of hope for talented young musicians in an area often overlooked in the country. I loved Reidy like a brother. I’m not alone. That is why our band, and I were all there to perform for the man we loved so dearly and miss so much."