Lou Reed
Early Life
Lou Reed was born Lewis Allan Reed on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Sidney Joseph Reed and Toby (née Futterman) Reed, were Jewish, and Reed said that he identified as Jewish. He developed an early interest in music and played the guitar from the age of 12. Reed attended Atkinson Elementary School in Freeport and went on to Freeport High School on Long Island. Reed began experimenting with drugs at a young age, an experience that would greatly influence his later work.
Career
Reed started his music career as a songwriter for Pickwick Records, where he met John Cale. Together, they formed the Velvet Underground, a rock band that would become one of the most influential groups in rock history. Their debut album, "The Velvet Underground & Nico," was a commercial failure upon its release in 1967 but has since been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Reed left the Velvet Underground in 1970 and embarked on a solo career. His second solo album, "Transformer," produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, included the hit single "Walk on the Wild Side." Reed continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, exploring various styles of rock music and often incorporating elements of noise and experimental music.
Reed's later career was marked by collaborations with other artists, including Metallica, with whom he released the album "Lulu" in 2011. Reed's final studio album, "Hudson River Wind Meditations," was a departure from his rock music roots and explored ambient and meditation music.
Personal Life
Reed was openly bisexual and his relationships and experiences with drugs were often reflected in his music. He was married three times, first to Bettye Kronstad in 1973, then to Sylvia Morales in 1980, and finally to performance artist Laurie Anderson in 2008. Reed and Anderson were together until his death in 2013.
Reed was known for his distinctive deadpan voice, poetic lyrics, and pioneering use of feedback in his music. His work has been widely recognized for its influence on the development of punk and alternative rock music.
Death and Legacy
Reed died on October 27, 2013, from liver disease. His death was widely mourned in the music community, and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2015.
Reed's influence on rock music is immeasurable. His work with the Velvet Underground and as a solo artist has inspired countless musicians and continues to be celebrated today. His lyrics, often dealing with taboo subjects such as drug use and sexuality, pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in popular music and paved the way for future generations of artists.