Lou Reed American singer-songwriter and musician Lou Reed is best known as singer, guitarist and principal songwriter for The Velvet Underground. Although not commercially successful during their active period in the 1960s, the band have developed a cult following since and are regarded as being an influential rock band of the 1960s. They were managed by Andy Warhol as the house band at his studio the Factory. Reed established a successful solo career from 1971 that continues today, with hits such as "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day". The Velvet Underground were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.