Legendary musician, Lou Reed, passed away earlier today (Oct. 27) at the age of 71. Reed is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century thanks to his work in The Velvet Underground and as a solo artist. Reed’s literary agent, Andrew Wylie, told the New York Times he believed Reed’s passing was related to a liver transplant the singer-songwriter underwent earlier this year. Wylie added, “He was as great an artist as it’s possible to be in my opinion.”
Reed had legendary collaborations with artists like Andy Warhol and David Bowie. Although I’ve been listening to Lou Reed’s work since my college days, I didn’t seriously get into his music until about a year ago and that was when I totally got just how revolutionary this guy was and why he’s such an iconic musician.
Hear some of my favorite tracks of his and read some of the reactions other artists had regarding this news below.
Most recently, Reed even took the time to review Yeezus, saying “It’s all the same shit, it’s all music — that’s what makes him great. If you like sound, listen to what he’s giving you. Majestic and inspiring.”
Sunday Mourning–we're going to miss you, Lou.
— Sub Pop Records (@subpop) October 27, 2013
R.I.P. Lou Reed.
— Patrick Carney (@patrickcarney) October 27, 2013
I met Lou Reed and told him he gave me tinnitus at a concert in 1989 that never went away and it was worth it. Dirty Blvd. Love to Lou.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 27, 2013
I will remember Lou Reed fondly, particularly the time I rode past him in full cycling gear on the West Side Highway. He looked good.
— Alex Kapranos (@alkapranos) October 27, 2013
Lou Reed, R.I.P. I did the Jools Holland show with him last year and we yucked it up. I didn't know he was ill…. http://t.co/enOpYpnGlg
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 27, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugY9CwhfzE
(Which was sampled by A Tribe Called Quest)
