Lou Reed

Lewis Allan Reed was an influential American musician, songwriter, and poet, best known as the guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for the rock band the Velvet Underground. Though the band was not commercially successful during its active years, it later became recognized as one of the most significant and innovative groups in the history of underground and alternative rock. Reed's unique deadpan vocal style, poetic and often transgressive lyrics, and experimental approach to guitar playing defined his long and impactful career, both with the Velvet Underground and in his subsequent solo work that spanned more than five decades.