The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1964. They became known for their integration of rock and roll and the avant-garde, which earned them little commercial success during their initial nine-year run but made them one of the most influential bands of their era, particularly in underground, experimental, and alternative music scenes. Their provocative subject matter and experimentation were instrumental in the development of punk rock, new wave and other genres. In 1998, The New York Times called them "arguably the most influential American rock band of our time".