(Lou Reed / Lee Thompson via Creative Commons)

According to his literary agent, Reed died of an illness related to his recent liver transplant, a result of his history of heavy drinking and drug usage. 

Reed has been hailed as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. While his band never really reached success in their time, The Velvet Underground remains cited by other modern musicians of today.

The band- best known for songs like Sweet Jane and I'm Sticking With You- released its debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico in 1967. It was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Known for gritty songs with graphic images of drug consumption, the band "disturbed even hard-core scenesters" of their time, reported NPR.

Reed left the band in 1970 to begin his solo career. In the span of five-decade career as a musician, Reed was awarded one Grammy Award in 1999 for his best long-form music video, Lou Reed; Rock and Roll Heart.

SEE ALSO: 20 Essential Lou Reed Tracks

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