The Velvet Underground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Velvet Underground
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by Billy Name, 1968
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Warlocks, The Falling Spikes |
| Origin | New York City, New York |
| Genres | Art rock, experimental rock, rock and roll, protopunk |
| Years active | 1965-1973, 1990, 1992-1994, 1996 |
| Labels | Verve, MGM, Atlantic, Polydor, Mercury, Sire |
| Past members | Lou Reed John Cale Sterling Morrison Angus MacLise Maureen Tucker Doug Yule Walter Powers Willie Alexander |
The Velvet Underground was an American rock band. They started in 1964 in New York City. This group became very important in music history.
The first members were Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker. They had a unique sound that mixed rock with experimental music.
Contents
How the Band Started
A famous artist named Andy Warhol discovered The Velvet Underground. He was known for his pop art. Warhol helped the band a lot. He produced their first album and even designed its cover.
This first album was called The Velvet Underground and Nico. It also featured a German model and singer named Nico. The album was not a big hit when it first came out. However, many years later, it became known as a classic. It influenced many other bands.
Later Years and Albums
After a while, the band and Andy Warhol went their separate ways. Nico also left the group. The Velvet Underground then released more albums. These included White Light/White Heat in 1967 and The Velvet Underground in 1969.
They also released Loaded in 1970. The band officially broke up after the album Squeeze in 1973. This last album did not have any of the original members.
After The Velvet Underground
Lou Reed went on to have a very successful solo career. He is seen as one of the people who helped start the "punk" music movement. Punk rock is a fast and energetic style of rock music.
The Velvet Underground's music was special. It was different from other music at the time. They inspired many musicians who came after them.
Albums
- The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)
- White Light/White Heat (1968)
- The Velvet Underground (1969)
- Loaded (1970)
- Live at Max's Kansas City (recorded 1970, released 1972)
- Squeeze (1973)
- 1969: The Velvet Underground Live (double album, recorded live 1969, released 1974)
- VU (recorded 1968-1969, released 1985)
- Another View (recorded 1967-69, released 1986)
Images for kids
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Nico at Andy Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable, where she performed with the Velvet Underground, around 1966 or 1967.
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The Velvet Underground in a photo for White Light/White Heat. From left to right: Reed, Morrison, Cale, Tucker.
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The Velvet Underground reunited in 1993. From left to right: Morrison (at back), Tucker, Cale and Reed.
See also
In Spanish: The Velvet Underground para niños
