The Velvet Underground: A Blend of Rock, Avant-Garde, and Do Wop

The Velvet Underground, a seminal band in the history of rock music, is known for its distinctive and influential sound. Their unique blend of rock, avant-garde, and do wop elements was shaped by a variety of influences, making them a complex and multi-layered act that continues to inspire musicians today.

The Modern Lovers and Jonathan Richman

While the Velvet Underground's sound was heavily influenced by bands like The Modern Lovers, particularly frontman Jonathan Richman, it would be a misnomer to attribute their distinctive sound solely to one band or genre. Other significant influences included earlier rock and roll acts like The Beach Boys and Bob Dylan, as well as avant-garde artists such as John Cage and the experimental music scene in New York City. The combination of these diverse elements helped create their unique sound, which blended rock with art and experimental music.

Bo Diddley: The Greatest Influence

Among all the eccentric influences that shaped The Velvet Underground, the one that stands out the most is Bo Diddley. Bo Diddley's impact on the band is often compared to Chuck Berry's influence on The Rolling Stones. His style of music, characterized by a repetitive rhythmic guitar riff and drum pattern, can be heard in all four of their proper studio albums, the unfinished MGM album, and their live performances.

Bo Diddley's influence is particularly evident in the drumming style of Maureen Tucker. Tucker has often cited Bo Diddley as the biggest influence on her drumming style. Without the inspiration from Bo Diddley, the Velvet Underground's sound would have been radically different. The band's commitment to this style of music helped pave the way for future generations of rock musicians.

Early Influences and Doo Wop Roots

While Bo Diddley is certainly a significant influence, it's important to recognize that other musical genres and artists also contributed to the Velvet Underground's sound. For example, Lou Reed, a co-founder and primary songwriter of the band, spent time in a doo wop band during his formative years. This exposure to the rhythmic and harmonic structures of doo wop undoubtedly influenced his early songwriting.

Rhythmic and blues elements can be heard in many of the Velvet Underground's early tracks, such as "Run Run Run" and "There She Goes Again". The band's album 'White Light/White Heat' was further shaped by these early influences, showcasing a blend of old school rhythm and blues and do wop.

Some of the specific doo wop groups that Lou Reed admired include Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, Willie Winfield and the Harptones, and the Blue Notes. Songs like "Ballad of a Boy and a Girl" and "My Hero" by The Blue Notes are often cited as inspiration for Lou Reed's early work with the Velvet Underground.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Velvet Underground's unique sound was a result of a combination of influences from a wide range of musical traditions. From the repetitive rhythmic guitar riff and drum pattern of Bo Diddley to the more conventional elements of rhythm and blues and do wop, the band's output was a rich tapestry of musical styles. While The Modern Lovers and Jonathan Richman played an important role, it is the broader context of avant-garde and do wop influences that truly defines the Velvet Underground's legacy.