Uploaded October 2013 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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This week we honor Lou Reed, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 71. The rock pioneer and founder of the Velvet Underground sat down with the Today Show in 1986 to discuss his career, his inspirations, and his songwriting technique. A New Yorker through and through, Reed's insight into the urban art scene in the 1960s and '70s is particularly fascinating.
Contact our staff or browse our website for more exclusive archival footage of the artists and trendsetters that defined the last half-century.
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Go to NBCUniversalArchives.com to license any portion of this video.
This week we honor Lou Reed, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 71. The rock pioneer and founder of the Velvet Underground sat down with the Today Show in 1986 to discuss his career, his inspirations, and his songwriting technique. A New Yorker through and through, Reed's insight into the urban art scene in the 1960s and '70s is particularly fascinating.
Contact our staff or browse our website for more exclusive archival footage of the artists and trendsetters that defined the last half-century.
Like Us on Facebook.com/NBCUArchives
Follow us on Twitter.com/NBCUArchives
