LOU REED

Biography

Lou Reed (Lewis Allan Reed, born March 2, 1942, Brooklyn, New York – died October 27, 2013) was an American musician, songwriter, and poet whose career spanned five decades. Growing up in Long Island, Reed developed an early interest in music, singing in a doo-wop group during high school before attending Syracuse University, where he studied under the poet Delmore Schwartz. After college, Reed worked as a songwriter for Pickwick Records, which led to his meeting John Cale and the formation of the Velvet Underground in 1965. The band, managed by Andy Warhol, became a fixture of New York's avant-garde scene and released four albums that, though commercially overlooked at the time, are now regarded as foundational to underground and alternative rock.

After leaving the Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing over twenty studio albums. His second solo album, 'Transformer' (1972), produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, brought him mainstream recognition, especially with the hit 'Walk on the Wild Side.' Reed's solo work continued to push boundaries, exploring themes of urban life, sexuality, addiction, and alienation with a poetic sensibility and deadpan vocal delivery. Albums like 'Berlin,' 'Rock 'n' Roll Animal,' and 'New York' showcased his willingness to experiment with glam rock, art rock, and proto-punk styles, cementing his reputation as a chronicler of marginalized lives and outsider experiences.

Reed's legacy is immense: he is celebrated for his literary lyricism, experimental guitar work, and fearless engagement with taboo subjects. His influence extends across genres, inspiring generations of musicians in punk, indie, and alternative rock. Reed continued to write, perform, and collaborate until his death in 2013, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame underscores his status as one of the most innovative and influential figures in modern music.

Fun Facts

• Reed's signature song 'Walk on the Wild Side' features lyrics about real-life Factory personalities and evaded radio censorship despite its transgressive content.
• He underwent electroconvulsive therapy as a teenager, an experience that influenced his later songwriting about trauma and alienation.
• Reed was an avid photographer and published a book of his own photos.
• He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once with the Velvet Underground and once as a solo artist.

Associated Acts

• The Velvet Underground - guitar, lead vocals, original, piano (1965–1970)
• The Velvet Underground - guitar, lead vocals, original, piano (1992–1996)
• Metal Machine Trio - original
• The Roughnecks
• The Conspirators

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Delmore Schwartz - Reed's poetry professor and literary inspiration at Syracuse University; Schwartz encouraged Reed's artistic ambitions and influenced his lyrical style. (Influence seen in Reed's poetic lyrics and literary references throughout his career.) [Early 1960s]
• Andy Warhol - Manager and artistic patron of the Velvet Underground, providing creative freedom and exposure to avant-garde art circles. (The Velvet Underground & Nico (album), Factory performances) [1965–1967]

Key Collaborators

• John Cale - Co-founder of the Velvet Underground; collaborated on experimental music and later reunited for 'Songs for Drella.' (The Velvet Underground albums, Songs for Drella) [1965–1970, 1990]
• David Bowie - Produced Reed's breakthrough solo album 'Transformer' and helped arrange its sound. (Transformer (album)) [1972]
• Mick Ronson - Arranger and co-producer on 'Transformer,' contributing to its glam rock style. (Transformer (album)) [1972]
• Sterling Morrison - Guitarist and founding member of the Velvet Underground. (The Velvet Underground albums) [1965–1971]
• Moe Tucker - Drummer for the Velvet Underground, known for her minimalist style. (The Velvet Underground albums) [1967–1971]
• Nico - German singer featured on the Velvet Underground's debut album. (The Velvet Underground & Nico) [1966–1967]

Artists Influenced

• David Bowie - Bowie cited Reed and the Velvet Underground as major influences on his own glam rock and lyrical style. (Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust) [1970s]
• Patti Smith - Smith drew inspiration from Reed's poetic lyrics and punk ethos. (Horses) [1970s]
• R.E.M. - The band's alternative sound and lyrical approach were shaped by Reed's work. (Murmur, Reckoning) [1980s]
• Sonic Youth - Their experimental guitar work and New York art rock sensibility reflect Reed's influence. (Daydream Nation) [1980s–1990s]
• The Strokes - Cited Reed and the Velvet Underground as key inspirations for their minimalist, urban sound. (Is This It) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Walk On the Wild Side (Transformer)
2. Perfect Day (Transformer)
3. Satellite of Love (Transformer)
4. Vicious (Transformer)
5. Charley's Girl (Coney Island Baby)
6. Some Kind of Nature (feat. Lou Reed) (Plastic Beach)
7. Coney Island Baby (Coney Island Baby)
8. This Magic Moment
9. Dirty Blvd. (New York)
10. Tranquilize

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #art-rock, #glam-rock, #hard-rock