Coney Island Remembers Lou Reed

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since we lost Lou Reed.

The name Lou Reed may be a synonym for New York City but the dedication to his birthplace of Brooklyn was quite evident through his love of the egg cream, Totonno’s, and yes, Coney Island.

The 2010 Mermaid Parade King Neptune was not shy to admit that his life began here in Brooklyn. Reed, who was born at Beth El Hospital (now Brookdale) and had lived for a short time near Kings Highway and like many of us Brooklyn boys was attracted to the sirenic lure of Coney Island.

Reed’s Syracuse University Writing professor, Delmore Schwartz had a profound influence on the future poet and rock star. According to T.S. Eliot, Schwartz’ Coney Island themed “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities” was “the greatest American short story ever written.” Reed couldn’t help but agree.

Many of Reed’s gritty, seedy, street wise lyrics written during his tenure with the Velvet Underground and later during his solo career can’t help but remind us of the similar language that we use to describe the former Coney Island of our youth.

Then there were songs like “Coney Island Steeplechase” and of course “Coney Island Baby.” Although the latter conveys more Reed’s lonely suburban upbringing.

There have been songs by other artists that couldn’t resist but to pay lyrical tribute to him. The Jayne County anthem “Max’s Kansas City” and more recently Lana Del Rey’s “Brooklyn Baby.”

Recently, there has been an interest in naming a street in Coney Island after Lou Reed. His family isn’t quite ready for that yet.

Although, Lou Reed Steeplechase Walk does have a nice ring to it.

RIP Lewis Allan Reed  3/2/42-10/27/13