How Lou Reed shaped rock

In a career spanning many decades - both in the band The Velvet Underground and his subsequent solo career - he had a huge influence on the shape of rock music. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, as a teenager he became a fan of early rock 'n' roll, playing the guitar in several high school bands. After attending Syracuse University, Reed moved to New York City and worked as a songwriter before meeting the Welsh-born musician John Cale, with whom he would form The Velvet Underground. The pair, who were interested in combining rock music with the avant-garde, recruited guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen Tucker. With Reed at the helm, they stretched the boundaries of rock 'n' roll.