Lou Reed: The King of New York - A Stark Portrait by Will Hermes

The cultural landscape of music was forever changed by Lou Reed, a man who defied traditional norms as the frontman of the Velvet Underground, and later as a solo artist. Now, Will Hermes offers an in-depth biography, 'Lou Reed: The King of New York', providing a comprehensive look at Reed's life and legacy. Priced at $55, the book delves into the complexities and contradictions of the man who would be a paramount figure in rock history.

A Glimpse into Lou Reed's Early Days

Imagine the scene: Lou Reed, a defiant Long Island teenager, daring to meet his girlfriend's parents despite their knowledge of his rebellious tendencies. Even back in 1962, before his treatment with electroshock therapy, before the Velvet Underground or his association with Andy Warhol's boundary-pushing scene, Reed's bold nature was evident. It was this spirit that would drive his work and relationships throughout his life.

The People Who Knew Lou Reed Best

Will Hermes' biography doesn't just recount Reed's well-documented exploits; it offers insights from those who knew the nuanced sides of him—sweet, funny, and tender at times. Candid recollections from relationships and encounters with Reed are woven into a narrative that refrains from simplifying or heroizing the artist. Instead, it paints a portrait of a man who embraced identity's fluidity and bristled against conventions, shining a light on his role as a cultural provocateur.

The Artistic Journeys and Challenges

Reed's career was marked by extreme artistic swings, from the harsh criticism of his album with Metallica, 'Lulu', to the soothing 'Hudson River Wind Meditations'. His life's work, often met with initial contempt, includes the styles and sounds of albums like 'New York' and 'Transformer', which showcased his powerful stories and street-tough persona. Despite the polarized reception, Reed's legacy has grown and persisted throughout the years.

The Complicated Man behind the Music

The biography does not shy away from the messier aspects of Reed's life, including his struggles with addiction and contentious relationships with key figures like Warhol, Cale, and Bowie. Hermes presents a figure who lived his art, embodying the duality of danger and transcendence that would influence generations.

Legacy Beyond the Grave

As the pages of 'Lou Reed: The King of New York' turn, it's evident that lesser-known associates and lovers potentially offer the truest sense of who Reed was. With access to an extensive archive at the New York Library of Performing Arts, Hermes presents an exhaustive examination of Reed's life and the cultural ripples it created. The biography suggests that Reed's influence on questioning social and artistic norms endures long after his death, even if his work might be a bit too edgy for some parents' taste.

biography, music, icon