Sterling Morrison

Sterling Morrison's legacy is inseparable from the Velvet Underground, a band that fundamentally altered the trajectory of rock music. Though he never sought individual recognition, his guitar work on the band's four studio albums is studied and revered by musicians worldwide. The Velvet Underground's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, one year after his death, honored his contribution. In 2017, the band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Morrison's quiet integrity, walking away from fame to earn a PhD and teach medieval literature, has made him a symbol of artistic purity for fans.