On what would have been Lou Reed’s 75th birthday today, his widow Laurie Anderson announced that the New York Public Library has acquired the musician’s complete archives. To celebrate, the NYPL is hosting displays and events celebrating Reed’s life and work. Details here. Meanwhile, the good people at indie record label and publisher Anthology tweeted that they will work with the library and Reed’s representatives “to publish new works!” From the NYPL:
The Lou Reed Archive includes:
• Original manuscript, lyrics, poetry and handwritten tai-chi notes
• Photographs of Reed- including artist prints and inscriptions by the photographers
• Tour itineraries, agreements, road manager notes & paperwork
• 600+ hours of live recordings, demos, studio recordings and interviews
• Reed’s own extensive photography work
• Album, book, and tour artwork: mock-ups, proofs and match-prints
• Lou Reed album and concert posters, handbills, programs, and promotional items
• Lou Reed press for albums, tours, performances, books, and photography exhibits
• Fan mail
• Personal collections of books, LPs and 45s
The collection documents collaborations, friendships, and relationships with Delmore Schwartz, Andy Warhol, John Cale, Maureen Tucker, Sterling Morrison, Mick Rock, Robert Quine, Sylvia Ramos, Doc Pomus, Václav Havel, Hal Willner, John Zorn, Robert Wilson, Julian Schnabel, and Laurie Anderson.
More at the New York Times: “Lou Reed Archives Head to New York Public Library”
