Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Sterling Morrison was born on this day in 1942

Founding member of The Velvet Underground

Sterling Morrison was born on this day in 1942



He was one of the core members of The Velvet Underground, alternating between guitar and bass, Sterling Morrison, that left the band in 1971, helped to build the original sound the band developed and though often not credited, contributed as a composer to many of the band’s songs. “European Son”, “Here She Comes Now”, “The Gift”, “Sister Ray”, “Chelsea Girls”, “Coney Island Steeplechase” and “Guess I’m Falling in Love” are among some of the songs that he is given official credit for

Sterling Morrison was born on August 29, 1942, in East Meadow, Long Island, New York. Raised in a suburban environment, Morrison developed an early interest in music, particularly in the guitar. He pursued higher education at Syracuse University, where he met Lou Reed, a fellow student who shared his passion for music. This meeting would eventually lead to the formation of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
In 1964, Morrison, Reed, John Cale, and Angus MacLise (later replaced by Maureen Tucker) formed The Velvet Underground. The band became known for its experimental sound, blending rock with avant-garde influences, and its association with artist Andy Warhol, who became their manager and producer. Warhol introduced the band to Nico, a German singer, leading to the creation of their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), which is now considered a landmark in rock music despite its initial lack of commercial success.
Morrison played guitar and occasionally bass for the band, contributing to their raw, edgy sound. His guitar work was a crucial element in defining the band’s unique style, characterized by its innovative use of feedback, distortion, and unconventional song structures. The Velvet Underground released several more albums, including White Light/White Heat (1968), The Velvet Underground (1969), and Loaded (1970), with Morrison playing a key role in their creation.
After leaving The Velvet Underground in 1971, Morrison distanced himself from the music industry and pursued academic interests. He returned to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Ph.D. in medieval literature. During this period, he also worked as a tugboat captain on the Houston Ship Channel, a surprising career shift that reflected his diverse interests and talents.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Morrison occasionally reunited with his former bandmates for performances. In the early 1990s, The Velvet Underground briefly reunited for a European tour, which allowed Morrison to reconnect with his musical roots. This 1993 tour was well-received, reaffirming the band’s enduring influence on alternative and indie rock music. After that, Sterling joined Maureen Tucker, the former percussionist of The Velvet Underground, for a tour.
Sterling Morrison, who was married to Martha Morrison, with whom he had a son, and a daughter was known for his quiet demeanor and intellectual curiosity. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the mid-1990s and passed away on August 30, 1995, in Poughkeepsie, New York, at the age of 53.



Check the footage bellow to see Sterling Morrison playing with The Velvet Underground & Nico in 1967, filmed by Andy Warhol



Watch more 1960’s related videos

 

Suggest a correction

Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.



Comments

comments

Follow and Like us on Facebook!