Lou Reed's music has been in the lives of millions of people all over the world for decades. He had a truly universal presence and was respected by musicians across all genres.

When life hands you a lemon, say, 'Oh yeah, I like lemons! What else ya got?

In the summer of '84, you just couldn't escape the Born in the USA record.

The idea that any performer type is owed anything is a joke to me.

People are best on records and books because you can turn them off or put them back on the shelf.

I don't wish to be anything more or less than what I am. If this is how it is, then so be it.

I come from a town of great musicians: Washington, D.C. It's no joke, that history.