The biography "Lou Reed: The King of New York" by Will Hermes delves deeply into Lou Reed's Jewish roots and influences, shedding light on how his Jewish identity permeated his music and career, especially evident in his challenges against antisemitism and connections with Jewish mentors like Delmore Schwartz and Doc Pomus.

In 1971, at the peak of his rock n roll fame, Lou Reed, known for his work with the Velvet Underground, surprised many by announcing his decision to shift from music to poetry during a reading at the St. Marks Poetry Project.