Lou Reed
Solo artist and singer/songwriter for The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed has survived electro-shock therapy, scathing critics, a false death report and numerous hit and miss album releases to become one of the most influential artists in the 20th century.
His career has spanned over five decades, raised taboo subjects such as homosexuality and drug abuse and pioneered distorted guitar and feedback effects. Present day labels him as the “Godfather of Punk”, photographer, recording studio collaborator and even an animated cartoon character voice.
Reed met his first of many partners in music, John Cale, while working as a staff songwriter at Pickwick Records in New York. Reed attracted attention with his off-the-wall lyrics and non-standard guitar tunings.
In 1965, Cale and Reed formed The Velvet Underground, with some managerial help from famous artist, Andy Warhol. The band went on to produce and record albums that although weren’t acclaimed in their day went on to influence the forthcoming glam rock and post-punk bands of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Once The Velvet Underground was signed to an Atlantic Records’ label, Reed was asked to tone down his song subjects in order to reach a more mainstream audience. Shortly after, Reed quit the band in 1970.
By 1972, he had embarked on a solo career, despite the criticism, and had his first (and only) Top 20 hit with Walk on the Wild Side.
One of his more infamous works was in the form of Metal Machine Music which was a double LP of just recorded, non-sensical feedback loops. The jury is still out on the reason for this album – a record company quota responsibility, a joke or an avant-garde musical expression?
CLICK HERE FOR EVEN MORE UNIQUE LOU REED VIDEOS
Reed joined The Velvet Underground to support a European reunion tour and a collection of original work re-released as a five-CD box set called Peel Slowly and See. In 1996, The Velvet Underground was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Reed performed with former band members Cale and Maureen Tucker at the induction ceremony.
As a solo artist, Reed has been nominated twice by the Hall of Fame. As a member of The Velvet Underground, Reed was responsible for bucking the trend over the happy hippies. As a solo artist, he continues to raise eyebrows, experiment with fashion and musical styles and is widely-regarded as an elder statesman of rock.
Juanita Appleby
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
