Lou Reed, Legendary Velvet Underground Musician, Dies At 71

Lou Reed, who fronted influential rock band the Velvet Underground, died on Sunday. He was 71.

Reed’s death in Long Island, N.Y., was announced by his agent Andrew Wylie. Wylie revealed that Reed likely died as a result of complications from a liver transplant he underwent last year. “He was as great an artist as it’s possible to be, in my opinion,” Wylie said, according to The New York Times.

Reed and the Velvet Underground are perhaps best known for songs "Sweet Jane," "I’m Sticking With You," "Sunday Morning" and "Heroin." The New York City-based group was formed by Reed and John Cale in 1963, achieving fame and notoriety during the decade. Artist Andy Warhol served as the band’s manager, and hired them as the house band at his Factory studio. The Velvet Underground was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

After breaking from the Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed went on to launch a successful solo career. "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day" became verified hits for the solo artist and guitarist. In 1999, the "Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart" long-form music video earned Reed his first and only Grammy Award .

Reed is survived by his wife, songwriter and performance artist Laurie Anderson.

– Chelsea Regan

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