
Lou Reed
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Lou Reed Biography Excerpt Details Birth Of The Velvet Underground
A new biography by music journalist Anthony DeCurtis titled Lou Reed: A Life provides an extensive look inside the life and legacy of the inimitable Velvet Underground frontman. Ahead of its release, Rolling Stone has posted an excerpt outlining Reed's graduation from Syracuse University, his move to NYC and the formation of Velvet Underground.
In the excerpt, the GRAMMY-winning icon had just graduated with honors from Syracuse University and was eager to explore the culture and vices of New York's artistic and seedy underbelly. During the daytime, Reed worked as a songwriter, penning countless pop songs for fake artists. In the evenings he sold fake drugs in the night clubs.
When a fictitious group he'd penned a hit for, the Primitives, were invited to perform on a local television show, Reed's employer, Pickwick Records, had to assemble a band quickly. One of Reed's co-writers rounded up the avant-garde classical musician John Cale to join Reed for the performance, marking the genesis of Velvet Underground.
The duo would add Reed's college pal, Sterling Morrison on guitar and minimalist drummer Maureen Tucker, on their way to recording a demo and making their live debut at a high school dance, of all places.
If this excerpt is any indication, DeCurtis' look into Reed's life promises to be candid, detailed and full of excitement. Lou Reed: A Life is due out Oct. 10.
Velvet Underground will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Recording Academy's 2017 Special Merit Awards, airing Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. on PBS.
Read More: Sly Stone To Velvet Underground: 11 Facts About GRAMMY Legends