Walk on the Wild Side (Lou Reed song)
"Walk on the Wild Side" is a song by American rock musician Lou Reed from his second solo studio album, Transformer (1972). It was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson and released as a double A-side with "Perfect Day". Known as a counterculture anthem, the song received wide radio coverage and became Reed's biggest hit and signature song while touching on topics considered taboo at the time, such as transgender people, drugs, male prostitution, and oral sex.
Reed and three of the people he has said he described in his lyrics: Holly Woodlawn, Jackie Curtis and Joe Dallesandro
Lewis Allan Reed was an American musician and songwriter. He was the guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for the rock band The Velvet Underground and had a solo career that spanned five decades. Although not commercially successful during its existence, the Velvet Underground came to be regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of underground and alternative rock music. Reed's distinctive deadpan voice, poetic and transgressive lyrics, and experimental guitar playing were trademarks throughout his long career.
Reed performing live at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon in 2004
Reed as a high school senior, 1959
Reed in 1977
Reed performing onstage with guitarist Chuck Hammer, June 1979, The Bottom Line, New York City