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Lou Reed's father had changed the family name from Rabinowitz to Reed due to antisemitism.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed's father changed the family name from Rabinowitz to Reed because his grandparents were Russian Jews who had escaped antisemitism.
Lou Reed was diagnosed with dyslexia and began using drugs at the age of 16.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed was dyslexic and began using drugs at the age of 16, alongside his early musical development.
Lou Reed's first professional recording was as a lead singer for a rock and roll band called The Primitives in 1964.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's first recording was in 1958 as a member of the doo-wop trio The Jades, where he played guitar and sang backing vocals, not as a lead singer for The Primitives in 1964.
Lou Reed claimed he was expelled from the ROTC program at Syracuse University for holding an unloaded gun to his superior's head.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed claimed he was expelled from the ROTC program at Syracuse University for holding an unloaded gun to his superior's head, an anecdote from his college years.
What was Lou Reed's full birth name?
Answer: Lewis Allan Reed
Explanation: Lou Reed's full birth name was Lewis Allan Reed. The name Louis Firbanks was a joke coined by Lester Bangs.
What was the original family surname of Lou Reed's father before it was changed to Reed?
Answer: Rabinowitz
Explanation: Lou Reed's father changed the family name from Rabinowitz to Reed due to the family's experience with antisemitism.
What significant personal trauma did Lou Reed experience during his first year at New York University?
Answer: A mental breakdown leading to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Explanation: During his first year at New York University, Lou Reed suffered a mental breakdown, leading to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which he later described as traumatic.
At Syracuse University, Lou Reed hosted a late-night radio program called *Excursions on a Wobbly Rail* that primarily featured which genres of music?
Answer: Doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and jazz (especially free jazz)
Explanation: At Syracuse University, Lou Reed hosted *Excursions on a Wobbly Rail*, a radio program primarily featuring doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and jazz, with a particular emphasis on free jazz.
What was Lou Reed's first job after graduating from Syracuse University in 1964?
Answer: An in-house songwriter for Pickwick Records
Explanation: After graduating from Syracuse University in 1964, Lou Reed's first job was as an in-house songwriter for Pickwick Records in New York City.
What was the name of the radio program Lou Reed hosted at Syracuse University, named after a Cecil Taylor song?
Answer: *Excursions on a Wobbly Rail*
Explanation: At Syracuse University, Lou Reed hosted a late-night radio program on WAER called *Excursions on a Wobbly Rail*, named after a Cecil Taylor song.
Who was the poet and professor at Syracuse University whom Lou Reed credited with teaching him how to achieve "astonishing heights" in writing using simple language?
Answer: Delmore Schwartz
Explanation: Lou Reed credited his poet and professor Delmore Schwartz at Syracuse University with teaching him how to achieve 'astonishing heights' in writing using simple, concise language.
What degree and honors did Lou Reed receive from Syracuse University in June 1964?
Answer: Bachelor of Arts *cum laude* in English
Explanation: Lou Reed graduated from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences in June 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree *cum laude* in English.
The Velvet Underground achieved significant commercial success during its initial existence, which contributed to its widespread influence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Velvet Underground did not achieve significant commercial success during its initial existence, despite becoming one of the most influential bands in underground and alternative rock.
Andy Warhol managed The Velvet Underground and integrated them into his multimedia events, but Reed never acknowledged Warhol as a direct mentor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Andy Warhol managed The Velvet Underground and integrated them into his multimedia events, and Lou Reed consistently acknowledged Warhol as a direct mentor.
*The Velvet Underground & Nico* featured drummer Moe Tucker and German singer Nico, and it quickly became a top 10 album on the U.S. *Billboard* 200.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The Velvet Underground & Nico* featured Moe Tucker and Nico, but it peaked at No. 171 on the U.S. *Billboard* 200, not in the top 10.
Brian Eno famously stated that while few people bought *The Velvet Underground & Nico*, those who did were inspired to form their own bands.
Answer: True
Explanation: Brian Eno famously remarked that despite limited initial sales, *The Velvet Underground & Nico* inspired many who purchased it to form their own bands, highlighting its significant influence.
Lou Reed left The Velvet Underground in 1970 after John Cale returned to the band and pushed for a more pop-oriented sound.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed left The Velvet Underground in 1970, but John Cale had been fired in 1968 and replaced by Doug Yule, and the band's sound had already shifted towards a more pop-oriented style under Reed's direction.
Angus MacLise left The Velvet Underground because he disagreed with Lou Reed's songwriting direction.
Answer: False
Explanation: Angus MacLise left The Velvet Underground because he considered accepting money for art to be 'selling out,' not due to disagreement with Lou Reed's songwriting direction.
Which of the following was NOT one of Lou Reed's primary roles in The Velvet Underground?
Answer: Manager
Explanation: Lou Reed was the guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for The Velvet Underground. Andy Warhol served as their manager.
Despite limited commercial success, The Velvet Underground is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of which music genres?
Answer: Underground and alternative rock
Explanation: The Velvet Underground is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of underground and alternative rock music, despite their limited initial commercial success.
Who were the four original members who formed The Velvet Underground in 1965?
Answer: Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Angus MacLise
Explanation: The Velvet Underground was formed in 1965 by Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Angus MacLise.
What was the peak position of *The Velvet Underground & Nico* on the U.S. *Billboard* 200 upon its initial release?
Answer: No. 171
Explanation: *The Velvet Underground & Nico* peaked at No. 171 on the U.S. *Billboard* 200 upon its initial release, indicating a modest commercial reception.
Who famously credited *The Velvet Underground & Nico* with inspiring his political career?
Answer: Václav Havel
Explanation: Václav Havel famously credited *The Velvet Underground & Nico* with inspiring his political career, highlighting the album's profound cultural impact.
Which of the following was NOT one of the main studio albums released by The Velvet Underground during Lou Reed's tenure?
Answer: *Transformer* (1972)
Explanation: *Transformer* (1972) was Lou Reed's second solo album, released after he left The Velvet Underground. The main studio albums during his tenure were *The Velvet Underground & Nico*, *White Light/White Heat*, *The Velvet Underground*, and *Loaded*.
Lou Reed's solo career began immediately after The Velvet Underground's debut album, *The Velvet Underground & Nico*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's solo career began after he left The Velvet Underground in 1970, not immediately after their 1967 debut album. He initially worked as a typist before releasing his first solo album in 1972.
After leaving The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed immediately embarked on a successful solo tour before returning to his parents' home.
Answer: False
Explanation: Immediately after leaving The Velvet Underground in 1970, Lou Reed returned to his parents' home and took a job as a typist, not embarking on a solo tour.
Lou Reed's second solo album, *Transformer*, was co-produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, and it was his breakthrough to mainstream recognition.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Transformer* (1972), co-produced by David Bowie and arranged by Mick Ronson, was Lou Reed's second solo album and his breakthrough to mainstream recognition, particularly in the UK.
"Walk on the Wild Side" was Lou Reed's only song to reach the top 10 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 singles chart.
Answer: False
Explanation: "Walk on the Wild Side" was Lou Reed's only entry on the *Billboard* Hot 100 singles chart, but it peaked at No. 16, not in the top 10.
Lou Reed's 1973 concept album *Berlin* was initially praised by critics for its dark themes and innovative structure.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1973 concept album *Berlin* initially received negative reviews, with *Rolling Stone* calling it a 'disaster,' though it was later critically reevaluated.
*Rock 'n' Roll Animal* became Lou Reed's biggest selling album, featuring new arrangements of Velvet Underground songs.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Rock 'n' Roll Animal* (1974), featuring new arrangements of classic Velvet Underground tracks, became Lou Reed's biggest selling album, achieving gold certification.
Lou Reed's highest-charting studio album in the United States was *Metal Machine Music*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's highest-charting studio album in the United States was *Sally Can't Dance*, which peaked at No. 10 on the *Billboard* 200, while *Metal Machine Music* was controversial and widely returned.
Lou Reed maintained a dismissive attitude towards the punk rock movement, refusing to attend shows or engage with its artists.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed maintained a watchful, competitive, and sometimes dismissive attitude towards the punk rock movement, but he regularly attended shows at CBGB and was featured in *Punk* magazine.
*Live: Take No Prisoners* was universally praised by critics as Lou Reed's bravest and funniest live album.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Live: Take No Prisoners* garnered divided critical opinions, with some calling it his 'bravest work yet' and others his 'silliest,' rather than universal praise.
Lou Reed's first job after college was as a typist for his father's tax accounting firm.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's first job after college was as an in-house songwriter for Pickwick Records. He worked as a typist for his father's firm after leaving The Velvet Underground.
What was Lou Reed's occupation immediately after leaving The Velvet Underground in 1970?
Answer: Typist at his father's tax accounting firm
Explanation: Immediately after leaving The Velvet Underground in 1970, Lou Reed returned to his parents' home and took a job as a typist at his father's tax accounting firm.
Which two artists co-produced and arranged Lou Reed's breakthrough solo album, *Transformer*?
Answer: David Bowie and Mick Ronson
Explanation: David Bowie co-produced and Mick Ronson arranged Lou Reed's second solo album, *Transformer*, which became his breakthrough to mainstream recognition.
What was the highest position "Walk on the Wild Side" reached on the *Billboard* Hot 100 singles chart?
Answer: No. 16
Explanation: "Walk on the Wild Side" peaked at No. 16 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 singles chart, making it Lou Reed's only entry on that chart.
Lou Reed's 1973 album *Berlin* was initially described as a "disaster" by which publication?
Answer: Rolling Stone
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1973 album *Berlin* was initially described as a 'disaster' by *Rolling Stone* magazine, though its critical standing has since been reevaluated.
What was Lou Reed's biggest selling album, which featured live performances of classic Velvet Underground tracks with new arrangements?
Answer: *Rock 'n' Roll Animal*
Explanation: *Rock 'n' Roll Animal* (1974) became Lou Reed's biggest selling album, featuring live performances of classic Velvet Underground tracks with new arrangements.
Which of Lou Reed's studio albums became his highest-charting in the United States, peaking at No. 10 on the *Billboard* 200?
Answer: *Sally Can't Dance*
Explanation: *Sally Can't Dance* (1974) became Lou Reed's highest-charting album in the United States, peaking at No. 10 on the *Billboard* 200.
What was Lou Reed's attitude towards the emerging punk rock movement in the late 1970s?
Answer: He maintained a watchful, competitive, and sometimes dismissive attitude.
Explanation: Lou Reed, recognized as an inspiration for punk rock, maintained a watchful, competitive, and sometimes dismissive attitude towards the emerging movement, regularly attending shows at CBGB.
Lou Reed's marriage to Sylvia Morales in 1980 directly inspired several songs on his albums *Growing Up in Public* and *The Blue Mask*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1980 marriage to Sylvia Morales directly inspired songs such as 'Think It Over' from *Growing Up in Public* and 'Heavenly Arms' from *The Blue Mask*.
In the mid-1980s, Lou Reed became a spokesman for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, reflecting his reestablished public profile.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the mid-1980s, Lou Reed became a spokesman for Honda scooters, not Harley-Davidson motorcycles, indicating his reestablished public profile.
Lou Reed's 1989 album *New York* earned him a Grammy Award nomination for best male rock vocal performance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1989 album *New York*, which addressed contemporary social and political themes, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
*Songs for Drella* was a solo tribute album by Lou Reed to Andy Warhol, released shortly after Warhol's death.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Songs for Drella* was a collaborative song cycle by Lou Reed and John Cale, not a solo album, serving as a tribute to Andy Warhol after his death.
The original lineup of The Velvet Underground successfully completed a North American reunion tour in the 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: While The Velvet Underground reunited for European dates in the 1990s, plans for a North American tour were canceled due to a dispute between Lou Reed and John Cale.
Lou Reed's *Magic and Loss* (1992) was his highest-charting album on the US *Billboard* 200.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's *Magic and Loss* (1992) was his highest-charting album on the UK Albums Chart, but *Sally Can't Dance* was his highest-charting in the United States.
In 1997, a version of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" became a UK No. 1 charity single after being produced by the BBC.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1997, the BBC produced a version of Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' featuring many artists, which was released as a charity single and achieved a No. 1 position on the UK singles chart.
Which jazz musician was featured on Lou Reed's 1979 album *The Bells*?
Answer: Don Cherry
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1979 album *The Bells* featured the notable jazz trumpeter Don Cherry.
What commercial endorsement did Lou Reed secure in the mid-1980s, indicating his reestablished public profile?
Answer: Honda scooters
Explanation: In the mid-1980s, Lou Reed became a spokesman for Honda scooters, a commercial endorsement that reflected his reestablished public profile.
Lou Reed's 1989 album *New York* addressed contemporary social and political themes and earned him a Grammy nomination for what category?
Answer: Best Male Rock Vocal Performance
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1989 album *New York* earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for its exploration of contemporary social and political themes.
*Songs for Drella* was a collaborative song cycle by Lou Reed and John Cale, serving as a tribute to whom?
Answer: Andy Warhol
Explanation: *Songs for Drella* was a collaborative song cycle by Lou Reed and John Cale, released in 1990, serving as a tribute to their late mentor, Andy Warhol.
What was the reason for the cancellation of The Velvet Underground's planned North American tour in the 1990s?
Answer: A dispute between Lou Reed and John Cale
Explanation: The Velvet Underground's planned North American tour in the 1990s was canceled due to a dispute between Lou Reed and John Cale, following their European reunion tour.
Which of Lou Reed's albums became his highest-charting on the UK Albums Chart?
Answer: *Magic and Loss*
Explanation: Lou Reed's 1992 album, *Magic and Loss*, became his highest-charting album on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No. 6.
Lou Reed's project inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, *The Raven*, was a single-disc album featuring only Reed's spoken-word performances.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's *The Raven* (2003) was a 2-CD set featuring his songs and spoken-word performances by various actors, not solely Reed's spoken word on a single disc.
Lou Reed responded to the September 11 attacks by composing a new musical piece that was performed at a memorial concert.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed responded to the September 11 attacks by writing a poem titled 'Laurie Sadly Listening,' which was published in *The New York Times*, not by composing a new musical piece for a concert.
The "Metal Machine Trio" was a group formed by Lou Reed to perform improvised instrumental music inspired by his controversial album *Metal Machine Music*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Metal Machine Trio, introduced by Lou Reed in 2008, performed improvised instrumental music directly inspired by his controversial 1975 album *Metal Machine Music*.
Lou Reed's collaboration album with Metallica, *Lulu*, was universally acclaimed by music critics and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed's collaboration album with Metallica, *Lulu*, received mixed and predominantly negative reviews from music critics, and sold 280,000 copies worldwide, not millions.
Lou Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame only once, as a solo artist.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a member of The Velvet Underground in 1996, and then posthumously as a solo artist in 2015.
The *Lou Reed Archive Series* announced in 2022 included the reissue of his debut solo album, *Lou Reed* (1972).
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Lou Reed Archive Series* announced in 2022 included the reissue of his *final* solo studio album, *Hudson River Wind Meditations*, and previously unreleased material, not his debut solo album.
In the unreleased 1995 video game *Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors*, what was Lou Reed's memorable cameo role?
Answer: An unbeatable boss with laser beam eyes
Explanation: In the unreleased 1995 video game *Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors*, Lou Reed made a memorable cameo as an unbeatable boss who would 'murder' the player with laser beam eyes.
Lou Reed's multi-faceted project inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, *The Raven*, featured spoken-word performances by actors such as Willem Dafoe, David Bowie, and whom else?
Answer: Steve Buscemi
Explanation: Lou Reed's *The Raven* (2003), a project inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, featured spoken-word performances by actors including Willem Dafoe, David Bowie, and Steve Buscemi.
How did Lou Reed artistically respond to the September 11 attacks?
Answer: He wrote a poem published in *The New York Times*.
Explanation: Lou Reed responded to the September 11 attacks by writing a poem titled 'Laurie Sadly Listening,' which was published in *The New York Times*.
What was the name of the new group Lou Reed introduced in 2008, which performed improvised instrumental music inspired by *Metal Machine Music*?
Answer: The Metal Machine Trio
Explanation: In 2008, Lou Reed introduced The Metal Machine Trio, a new group that performed improvised instrumental music directly inspired by his controversial album *Metal Machine Music*.
Lou Reed's collaboration album with Metallica, *Lulu*, was based on the plays by which German playwright?
Answer: Frank Wedekind
Explanation: Lou Reed's 2011 collaboration album with Metallica, *Lulu*, was based on the 'Lulu' plays by German playwright Frank Wedekind.
What was the final original musical composition Lou Reed worked on, collaborating with the indie rock band Metric?
Answer: "The Wanderlust"
Explanation: The final original musical composition Lou Reed worked on was 'The Wanderlust,' a collaboration with indie rock band Metric, appearing on their 2012 album *Synthetica*.
What were the medical conditions that ultimately led to Lou Reed's death in 2013?
Answer: Liver disease and cancer
Explanation: Lou Reed suffered from hepatitis and diabetes, which led to liver cancer, and he ultimately died from liver disease in 2013 despite undergoing a liver transplant.
How many times was Lou Reed inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Answer: Twice, both as a solo artist and with The Velvet Underground
Explanation: Lou Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a member of The Velvet Underground in 1996, and then posthumously as a solo artist in 2015.
Lou Reed's artistic work was consistently defined by his distinctive deadpan vocal delivery, poetic and transgressive lyrics, and an experimental approach to guitar playing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed's artistic identity was consistently marked by his deadpan vocal delivery, poetic and often transgressive lyrics, and an experimental, noisy lead guitar style.
Lou Reed dedicated his 1975 album *Coney Island Baby* to his wife, Sylvia Morales.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lou Reed dedicated his 1975 album *Coney Island Baby* to Rachel Humphreys, a transgender woman with whom he was in a relationship, not to Sylvia Morales.
Lou Reed used a unique "ostrich guitar" tuning for his single "The Ostrich," where all strings were tuned to different notes to create a complex harmony.
Answer: False
Explanation: For 'The Ostrich,' Lou Reed used a unique 'ostrich guitar' tuning where all strings were tuned to the *same* note, creating a drone effect, not different notes for complex harmony.
Lou Reed and David Bowie had a temporary rift in 1979 that involved a physical altercation, but they later reconciled.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lou Reed and David Bowie had a temporary rift in 1979, reportedly involving a physical altercation, but they later reconciled, with Reed performing at Bowie's 50th birthday concert.
The 2015 unofficial biography *Notes From The Velvet Underground* alleged that Lou Reed was misogynistic and violent towards women.
Answer: True
Explanation: Howard Sounes' 2015 unofficial biography, *Notes From The Velvet Underground*, alleged that Lou Reed was misogynistic and violent towards women in his relationships.
What was the primary substance Lou Reed struggled with addiction to throughout the 1970s, alongside alcohol?
Answer: Methamphetamine
Explanation: Throughout the 1970s, Lou Reed struggled with heavy methamphetamine and alcohol use, eventually achieving sobriety in the early 1980s.
To whom did Lou Reed dedicate his 1975 album *Coney Island Baby*?
Answer: Rachel Humphreys
Explanation: Lou Reed dedicated his 1975 album *Coney Island Baby* to Rachel Humphreys, a transgender woman with whom he was in a relationship.
Which jazz musician did Lou Reed cite as a major influence on his early guitar playing, specifically on the song "European Son"?
Answer: Ornette Coleman
Explanation: Lou Reed cited jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman as a major influence on his early guitar playing, particularly on the song 'European Son,' where he attempted to imitate Coleman's style.
What was the primary modification Lou Reed made to his 1964 Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar during The Velvet Underground era?
Answer: He extensively modified it with Stratocaster pickups, effects, and a pre-amp, rendering it unplayable.
Explanation: During The Velvet Underground era, Lou Reed extensively modified his 1964 Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar with Stratocaster pickups, a Vox pedal-derived repeater effect, stereo outputs, and a battery-powered pre-amp, rendering it unplayable.
Which of the following amplifiers was NOT mentioned as being used by Lou Reed throughout his career?
Answer: Marshall JCM800
Explanation: The provided information lists Jim Kelley Amplifiers, a Fender 'wide panel tweed' Deluxe Amp 5C3, a Soldano SLO-100, a Tone King Imperial, and a Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve as amplifiers used by Lou Reed, but does not mention a Marshall JCM800.