Lou Reed has died at the age of 71. I just heard and I am tearing up writing this. More later when I finish writing some other things and have had some time to think. His music meant the world to me, and he was a giant.

In the meantime, here’s a film of the Velvet Underground with a song from my favorite album by the band:

YouTube video

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Kathleen Geier is a writer and public policy researcher who lives in Chicago. She blogs at Inequality Matters. Find her on Twitter: @Kathy_Gee