FamousPeopleFacts - Lou Reed
Lou Reed - famouspeoplefacts.com

Lou Reed

Date of Birth: March 2, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 27, 2013

Biography

Lou Reed, born Lewis Allan Reed, was an influential American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for the rock band The Velvet Underground. Born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Reed grew up in a Jewish family in Freeport, Long Island. He developed an early interest in music and played in several bands during his high school years. Reed attended Syracuse University, where he studied under poet Delmore Schwartz, who had a significant influence on his writing style. After graduation, Reed moved to New York City and began working as a songwriter for Pickwick Records. It was during this time that he met John Cale, and together they formed The Velvet Underground. Their music, which combined rock and avant-garde influences, was initially not widely popular, but the band later gained a cult following and is now considered one of the most influential groups in rock history. After leaving The Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a solo career that spanned several decades. His solo work includes the critically acclaimed albums “Transformer,” “Berlin,” and “New York.” Known for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and innovative approach to music, Reed’s work often explored themes of love, addiction, and the darker side of urban life. Throughout his career, Reed collaborated with numerous artists, including David Bowie, who produced his breakthrough solo album “Transformer.” Reed continued to release music and perform until his death on October 27, 2013, from liver disease. His legacy endures as one of rock music’s most enigmatic and groundbreaking figures.

5 Interesting Facts about Lou Reed

1. Lou Reed was a pioneer in the use of feedback and distortion in rock music.

2. He underwent electroconvulsive therapy as a teenager, which he later referenced in his music.

3. Reed’s song “Walk on the Wild Side” became a hit despite its controversial lyrics about marginalized individuals in New York City.

4. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once as a member of The Velvet Underground and once as a solo artist.

5. Reed was an avid tai chi practitioner and even released a meditation album titled “Hudson River Wind Meditations.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lou Reed

1. “One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you’re into jazz.”

2. “Take a walk on the wild side.”

3. “Music was what I wanted most of all. I loved it, and I didn’t care about the money.”

4. “There’s a bit of magic in everything, and some loss to even things out.”

5. “I think that everything happens for a reason, everything happens when it’s going to happen.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Lou Reed’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Lou Reed did not have any biological children. However, he was married three times and had a close relationship with the children of his third wife, Laurie Anderson.

Relevant Links

1. [Lou Reed Biography on Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lou-reed-a-life-196446/

2. [The Velvet Underground on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-velvet-underground-mn0000840402

3. [Lou Reed’s Legacy on NPR](https://www.npr.org/2013/10/27/241268312/lou-reed-velvet-underground-leader-and-rock-pioneer-dies-at-71

4. [Lou Reed’s Discography on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/62133-Lou-Reed

5. [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/lou-reed

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