Walk on the Wild Side

Recorded in August 1972 at Trident Studios in London during the sessions for Transformer. Lou Reed sang and played guitar with Herbie Flowers on double bass and electric bass, Ronnie Ross on baritone saxophone and the Thunderthighs on backing vocals, while David Bowie and Mick Ronson produced. Released in 1972, the song became Reed's biggest solo hit and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its portraits of figures from Andy Warhol's Factory brought transgender identity, sexuality and drug culture into mainstream radio. The song remains Reed's signature recording and a lasting counterculture anthem. Its distinctive bassline has been sampled and adapted extensively, while the recording entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.