Early Life and Career

Reed’s early life in Brooklyn was marked by a deep engagement with music. He played in several bands during high school and later attended Syracuse University, where he studied journalism, film directing, and creative writing. His college years were also significant due to his relationship with his mentor, poet Delmore Schwartz, who influenced his approach to songwriting.

The Velvet Underground

In the mid-1960s, Reed co-founded The Velvet Underground, which became associated with artist Andy Warhol. Warhol managed the band and incorporated them into his Exploding Plastic Inevitable shows. The band’s debut album, “The Velvet Underground & Nico,” was not a commercial hit at the time but has since become one of the most influential recordings in rock, praised for its experimental sound and provocative lyrics.

Solo Career

Following his departure from The Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed launched a solo career that included numerous albums, starting with his self-titled debut in 1972. His second album, “Transformer,” co-produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, featured the hit single “Walk on the Wild Side” and marked the height of his commercial success. Reed continued to explore complex and often dark themes in his work, including on albums like “Berlin” and “Metal Machine Music.”

Later Years and Legacy

Reed’s later years were marked by both artistic innovation and collaboration, including a reunion with John Cale for “Songs for Drella,” a tribute to Andy Warhol. He continued to perform and record until his death on October 27, 2013. Reed’s work remains highly regarded for its literary depth and musical innovation, earning him posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2015, in addition to his earlier induction with The Velvet Underground.

Lou Reed’s career was characterized by his unique style and profound impact on the music scene, marking him as a pivotal figure in the narrative of rock music. His exploration of difficult topics through his music set new boundaries for what rock music could express.

For more detailed information on Lou Reed’s life and work, you can visit his detailed profiles on AllMusic and Encyclopædia Britannica.