Legendary Rocker Lou Reed Dead, 71

NEW YORK (CBS) - Lou Reed, lead singer and founder of pioneering '60s rock group the Velvet Underground, has died. Rolling Stone reports that the cause of his death has not yet been released, but Reed was hospitalized in July following a a liver transplant in May. Reed was 71.

Described by writer Ellen Willis as an "aesthete punk", Reed's prolific work as a musician has been an inspiration to countless bands, musicians, and artists since the '60s. He released four prefect albums with the Velvet Underground that laid the framework for punk, alternative rock, hardcore, and beyond. He went on to storied success as a solo career, with timeless songs like "Street Hassle", "Perfect Day", and "Caroline Says Pt. II."

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