Rocker Lou Reed Dies at 71

Lou Reed, the legendary rocker behind the Velvet Underground, has died. 

Reed passed away on Sunday, six months after undergoing a liver transplant. He was 71.

Born Lewis Allan Reed in Brooklyn on March 2, 1942, Reed was a rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. 

Best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground in the 1960s, the group had hits, such as "Sunday Morning" and "Sweet Jane." 

They also collaborated with artist Andy Warhol. According to The Huffington Post, "Reed had a profound impact on American culture, introducing avant garde rock and pop art to mainstream music. His work with Andy Warhol is noted as one of the mostimportant collaborations in contemporary culture." 

The band was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. He also had a successful solo career.

Reed was married to performance artist Laurie Anderson.

For a complete obituary in Rolling Stone Magazine, click here.