Lou Reed

Lou Reed was born in Brooklyn in 1942. In 1964, he formed the Velvet Underground with John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker. Their debut album 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' came out in 1967, produced by Andy Warhol. The band's sound was experimental and their lyrics dealt with subjects like addiction and urban life, which set them apart from most pop music at the time.

Reed wrote 'Walk On The Wild Side,' which appeared on the Velvet Underground's second album 'White Light/White Heat' in 1968. The song became his most recognizable work. Other songs like 'Sweet Jane' and 'Satellite Of Love' have also endured. The Velvet Underground broke up in 1970.

Reed continued making music on his own after the band ended. He recorded songs like 'Perfect Day' and 'Vicious' as a solo artist. His writing kept a direct, sometimes dark tone that felt grounded in city life. The Velvet Underground's early albums didn't sell particularly well initially, but they developed a following over time.