### Lou Reed Biography
#### 1. Early Life
Lou Reed, born Lewis Allan Reed on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, was an iconic figure in rock music. He grew up in a Jewish family in Freeport, Long Island. Reed developed an early interest in music and learned to play the guitar by listening to the radio. His teenage years were tumultuous, marked by struggles with his sexuality and mental health, leading his parents to consent to electroconvulsive therapy, which he later lamented in his song "Kill Your Sons." Reed attended Syracuse University, where he studied journalism, film directing, and creative writing. It was also during his time at Syracuse that he met influential poet and mentor
Delmore-Schwartz, who had a profound impact on his artistic vision.
#### 2. Career
Reed's professional music career began after moving to New York City and working as a songwriter for Pickwick Records. His true breakthrough came with the formation of the Velvet Underground, a band that would later be recognized for its profound influence on punk and alternative rock. The Velvet Underground was managed by the pop art icon
Andy-Warhol, becoming the house band at Warhol's studio, the Factory. Their debut album "The Velvet Underground & Nico" was not a commercial success at the time but has since been celebrated for its daring subject matter and innovative sound.
After leaving the Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a solo career that would span several decades. His 1972 album "Transformer," co-produced by
David-Bowie and Mick Ronson, catapulted him to fame, driven by the hit single "Walk on the Wild Side," which offered an unconventional and nuanced tale of the characters he met in New York.
Throughout his career, Reed was known for his willingness to experiment with different musical styles, from rock and roll to noise music, as seen in his controversial 1975 album "Metal Machine Music." His lyrical content often delved into themes of complex human experiences, including sexuality, addiction, and loss, which resonated with a wide array of audiences.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Lou Reed's influence on rock music is vast and varied. He is often cited as one of the pioneers of punk and indie rock. His work with the Velvet Underground, although not commercially successful initially, was later recognized for its significant cultural impact; the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Reed's solo career also included several critically acclaimed albums, and he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. His narrative style and the poetic quality of his lyrics have been celebrated in numerous musical and literary circles.
#### 4. Personal Life
Lou Reed's personal life was as complex and provocative as his music. He was openly bisexual and his relationships, often tumultuous, were fodder for the tabloids. He was married three times, most notably to avant-garde artist
Laurie-Anderson in 2008, with whom he shared a deep artistic and personal connection until his death.
Reed was also known for his struggles with addiction, which influenced much of his early work. He was a heavy user of drugs and alcohol, which he later renounced. In his later years, Reed became a practitioner of Tai Chi, even incorporating it into his performances.
Lou Reed died on October 27, 2013, from liver disease. He left behind a legacy that has influenced countless artists and musicians. His work continues to be a subject of study and admiration for its raw portrayal of humanity and its complexities.