The Velvet Underground

Though not that well known in their time, the New York City based Velvet Underground eventually became a hugely influential band, instigating the punk movement of the 1970s and inspiring countless other musicians and songwriters. Led by Lou Reed (lead vocals, guitar, piano), the group's music is one of the few examples where the term "ahead of their time" actually applies; amazingly, their catalog finally began selling consistently when reissued in the mid 1980s. By the time Reed had enrolled at Syracuse University in the early 60s, he had already been playing professionally for some time. Syr…