Laurie Anderson: The 60 Minutes Interview

Anderson Cooper speaks with Laurie Anderson about her five-decade career as an artist, singer, composer and storyteller, and visits her largest-ever U.S. exhibit.
#60Minutes #AndersonCooper #LaurieAnderson
"60 Minutes" is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen's Top 10.
Subscribe to the “60 Minutes” KZbin channel: bit.ly/1S7CLRu
Watch full episodes: cbsn.ws/1Qkjo1F
Get more “60 Minutes” from “60 Minutes: Overtime”: cbsn.ws/1KG3sdr
Follow “60 Minutes” on Instagram: bit.ly/23Xv8Ry
Like “60 Minutes” on Facebook: on. 1Xb1Dao
Follow “60 Minutes” on Twitter: bit.ly/1KxUsqX
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@christianebrown9213]

She has that bright light in her eyes that you see the most often in young curious children. She obviously never lost it. A remarkable person, truly.

[@drakokamikaze8823]

She use to be trippy

[@rofflestomp684]

@@drakokamikaze8823 She still is.

[@ninjesus4079]

very beautifully put, I wish I could still have that glow

[@christianebrown9213]

@@ninjesus4079 I wish I could too!

[@karllux-d6g]

...that you - last but not least - also may learn from. A Lot. She just Knows.

[@garycoates4987]

Laurie Anderson wrote a story in her book about an animal psychic visiting a whale born in captivity , the whale kept thinking to the psychic "do all oceans have walls?" That still makes me cry. That's how her art works on your soul.

[@roselieber]

Same here- I've been lucky enough to have seen her live twice. So many strange and beautiful images and facets in her stories, but the whale story will be with me until I die. Such a rich way to point out that we get excited and distracted about the wrong things and miss the tiny miracles and beautiful souls- the quiet core of what really matters... It's cool to 'meet' someone who was also touched by the story. :-)

[@garycoates4987]

@@roselieber very well put,, thank you Nice to meet you as well 😊

[@scrapyardheart]

do you remember which book? would love to read it

[@garycoates4987]

@@scrapyardheart it was called Empty places

[@integral]

I met her at a party back in the mid eighties and was struck speechless by her energy and beauty. She sensed my condition and just talked me down from that freeze, walked me into relaxing. Such a wonderful lady.

[@aiai-j7i]

Wow, I would love to have Laurie Anderson talk me into relaxation--she has the most soothing voice! Lucky you!

[@infinifi2910]

@@aiai-j7iI ditto you, would have loved that experience too

[@carlymclane8270]

"Oh Superman" has never been eerie and unsettling to me. "Oh Superman" helped me feel less alone in the world, inspired, ready to be human in this life...for whatever that means. Profound gratitude. I described Laurie as a "storyteller" recently to someone who was not yet familiar with Laurie's work and another person in the room tried to correct me and said, "she is actually a musician". I just smiled, unwilling to argue because I was being asked my opinion, knowing in my heart how I saw Laurie. Ultimately, Laurie, in my eyes, is a creative and in my heart and soul, I have always perceived her as a storyteller in all her works. A true and profound elder of our times and let me clarify that it has nothing to do with her age. Thank you so much, Laurie!

[@disneyforthewin]

For me it was "From the Air"....scared me every time i heard it, in a good way

[@guttersnype00]

I agree 100%, I have always found the song to be nurturing and safe, and melancholic in its stark beauty. ❤

[@bp2024]

Laurie Anderson is a human kaleidoscope. She is truly a gift we will never be given again.

[@supajoo11]

One of a kind. Laurie Anderson is a national treasure.

[@krollpeter]

Yea and when Supermann came out people thought she's mad.

[@photobearcmh]

Seeing her perform in person was one of the great thrills in my life. Breathtaking.

[@davidpancerev9658]

And how!

[@JasonBlack66]

World Treasure!

[@EricWeimer]

Laurie Anderson went to my High School! Always enjoyed her work.

[@Sunstone503]

I love this segment - seeing her given space, elevating her for.a younger generation to ponder and admire. THIS is contribution to the arts.

[@virwill]

Absolutely. I just shared it with my children (who all remember O Superman!) and our granddaughter.

[@guttersnype00]

Laurie Anderson has been one of my heroes since I discovered her as an awkward and lonely teenager in the 80's. "Sharkey's Day" (full version) is one of my most cherished songs ever, always brings me to tears, her work is incredibly moving. Few artists transcend the universe like Laurie Anderson, I love her so much. 🕊🕊🕊

[@ralphmunn1685]

One of the most beautiful and astonishing minds our world has ever been graced with. Laurie Anderson is, for me, the face of Hope.

[@mikeydan]

she knocked me out in the 80's and continues to fascinate me... lovely woman.

[@captainchedo3592]

This is what I miss about the 80's .. creativity 💯🤟

[@marlon_88]

WOW, HUH... Hold your horse's captain, we have Kanye West! 😂😂😂

[@paddy6358]

@@tonymaurice4157 Creativity in 2022.

[@charles727727]

I did not speak English and I heard "Home of the Brave" as a young French guy and I fell in Love and ran to the record store to get that amazing album I still love to listen today...

[@GypsyGirl317]

Laurie is one of the most incredible artists I have ever seen. I love her depth, intellect, vibrant energy, and understanding of life on many levels. 💖 She's a legend!

[@isabelfuentecilla823]

Agree ,absoluly

[@pauly260]

I knew little about Laurie before. Now I stand in awe. Great job, 60 Minutes.

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Love her! I saw her in concert in the early 90’s…an absolutely hypnotic experience

[@infinifi2910]

So glad she’s still going strong. Saw her perform in Sydney about 30 years ago and felt her inspiration permeate through my visual artworks but she’s gone on to produce sooo much more. Good on you Laurie Anderson!

[@lisabauch854]

Laurie Anderson spoke at my niece's graduation from art school. She said now was the best time to be an artist because there are so many new ways to share your art (internet, etc.), rather than having to go through gatekeepers at major institutions. I was geeking out because I'd been a fan of hers since the 80s and at one point chopped off all my hair to get the Laurie look.

[@sooz9433]

I've never really been a fan of the word delightful but Laurie Anderson is truly! (delightful) Her enthusiasm is contagious and just watching her energizes me. My favorite part of this interview though was her face as she talked about Lou Reed.. that's true love.

[@seanbeukman9563]

I LOVE LAURIE ANDERSON!!!! What a person! Super duper fan here in Cape Town, for over 35years.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

First heard her in college early 80s. Always loved her music.Fascinating person. Loved this little visit with her. Thanks Anderson.

[@michaelstancato6057]

I've always loved Laurie Anderson since I first heard O Superman.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Same here

[@nocturneofthelight7644]

I read the comment that says, if God ever had a voice it would be Laurie Anderson No words can describe this person .. she is a true gift in our time I love her with all my being

[@kimberlydavis6544]

She’s remarkably talented.

[@schleepy6362]

I'm really glad no one else can describe her amazing work in a few words either. When I first heard of her through Gorillaz of all things, I hesitated to call her a singer or a presenter or a storyteller or whatever. All I knew was that I couldn't get enough. And now I realize she's all of those and more! She's _her._ She's an artist, and she inspires me to say and do whatever the heck I want.

[@justagirlsd3000]

Watching Laurie Anderson brought back so many memories from my art classes in the early 80’s. She was so inspirational to me and other art students. She’s the OG Queen of performance art.❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@donnieparker7535]

She is art itself. A profound joy!

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

An artist is one who examines, and sees and hears and touches, what is all around, and then tries to help us, the blind and deaf and unfeeling, to understand.

[@curiousworld7912]

I feel so lucky to have seen Ms. Anderson perform in KC, back in the early '90s. It was one of the most delightful, thought-provoking performances I've seen. She's that rare combination of intelligence, keen observation, and creativity. Having been a fan of Lou Reed's 20 years before I saw her; I was kind of 'charmed' by the news of their marriage, and I'm glad they were happy together. Ms. Anderson is a national treasure. :)

[@critterkarma]

Loved her since the late 70’s, early 80’s. A true artist. So much of her work will not be understood for years to come. We are better for her being on this planet doing her own unique play. 👏🙏😁🌹🦋

[@l.e.brentwood3137]

I saw this interview come up a few times and wasn't interested, so when it accidentally started playing, I let it play. I was so happy to learn about this woman, such talent. And what an amazing life ❣️

[@inksterinky9820]

Ditto! Totally the same for me! I had no idea who she was and thus didn't press Play for a while... I watched it & then remembered ' oh superman' - so by then I was captured!

[@bayard1332]

She is so brilliant and her shows are magical. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@BJAvegan]

She's amazing 😍

[@adaminman1081]

She is truly an American treasure.

[@leafnlore2712]

Laurie is more than a pioneer, she is an experience. So precious a voice for humanity.

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

Wow! Where have I been that I never heard of this woman till now? What a force to be reckoned with. Beautiful when she was young, beautiful at 74. What great energy!

[@Lenny.262]

I love this woman! She's a true artist and pure class! ❤

[@tkearns4388]

I was mesmerized when I first heard her music in the early 80s and saw her perform in New Haven in 1989. What a brilliant mind.

[@luv2dancesalsa465]

I met her in New Orleans, at an afterparty in the early 90's. Ramsey Mclean was my guest to her show, and I was his to the afterparty (Ramsey was nominated for an Oscar for his song, A Wink and A Smile - When Harry Met Sally Circa 1994). David Jones was a colleague of mine and the President of the Chamber of Commerce. And he was, as was I, a major fan of Laurie's. His FRONT ROW SEATS had been changed due to the room restrictions [fire code] so their plans to meet each other vanished and he was NOT HAPPY. When I had the chance to introduce myself to her, I recalled the David situation story and asked her to write him a little note proving that it was indeed THE LAURIE ANDERSON I had met. She did not disappoint. It was an awesome note she wrote... with references only he would know because they'd shared private conversations AND she took the pen ink to her thumb and left the print on it. SO true to form Laurie. I also had the fantastic privilege of receiving a gift from her. She had on the most awesome eyeball earrings and I thought nothing of letting her know. She offered and insisted on giving them to me. I still have them and wear them probably 3/4 x a year. I love them. And... I hope I still know the words... as I sang them constantly during my long traffic jams in Los Angeles in the mid-90's. I don't know about your brain. Mine is rather bossy. I LOVE THE CREATIVE AND TALENTED LAURIE ANDERSON. This interview is a treat! RIP Lou.

[@JanMike9]

I love her energy, and the entirety of "Strange Angels" is so personal to me.

[@trishbrady8556]

Mee too...❤

[@kzinful]

During the performance of Home Of The Brave you see William Burroughs dancing with Laurie, and it was this moment, as so many with Laurie that one can continue to view and the moment is passed, or one just stops and say to oneself : that's William Borroughs dancing with Laurie. It was one of those moments in time. And I was tearing up when she spoke of Lou and how he was ready for his death. For those familar with Lou you know that he was quite cantankerous ( to put it mildly) in his earlier days. And one can see the effect she had on him. Thank you, Laurie, for these moments and thank you William Burroughs. With ❤

[@quakerwildcat]

When I think about the most moving performance experiences I've ever had, the list is filled with Laurie Anderson moments. Topping that list would probably be the performance she gave just a few days after the 9/11 attacks. She sang O Superman (for the fist time in a tour in a very long time) and we could barely breathe. It was haunting. I never miss an opportunity to see her and am excited to see this exhibit.

[@bluelines1]

"Here come the planes. They're American planes, made in America"

[@2degucitas]

@@bluelines1 oh god. I have to watch it now, again.

[@guttersnype00]

An absolutely chilling performance.

[@ho2cultcha]

she's been a huge influence in my life since the early 80s. just brilliant! i always wanted to bump into her in the evening and say 'Satelites are out tonight!

[@maryoconnor9360]

I just love everything about her work , her music , and all of her talents and attitudes. Been a fan since I first heard O Superman ! She starts to talk and I get immediately mesmerized ! Beautiful Soul!

[@rosies3622]

Same :) ❤️

[@DangerNoodle-yw8yt]

What a fabulous interview, I can see she's still curious about the world and is deeply empathic.

[@Annie-ZA]

INCREDIBLE woman! WOW! Beautiful soul, and so deservedly blessed with extraordinary beauty both inside and out, as well as phenomenal gifts and talents. MAGICAL! 💃😍🥰👌💪

[@ceciliawilson6328]

Who has a cooler more satisfying life as an artist that Laurie Anderson? So pure.

[@cami-loo108]

She is on a different level, what a visionary

[@GypsyGirl317]

Yes! This. 🥰

[@synja]

Just finished touring her exhibit about an hour ago. I got vertigo and had to sit down after! Amazing work. She speaks my language.

[@iamkatura8318]

I'm truly amazed that I'm just now discovering Laurie Anderson's music barely now through the TV series "Evil" on Paramount+. I'm always seeking out music and art like hers. She is a true story teller and artist. I love her first album and I'm excited to listen to more.

[@ohmss069]

Oh my gosh. Thanks so much for doing this piece. Laurie Anderson is such a special person that I wish more people knew about.

[@scottmasson3039]

She’s so inspiring and amazing. I love her

[@garyengler165]

I'm enthralled. I never "got" Laurie Anderson until about a year ago. And then, I couldn't get enough. Nearly her age, I had to grow into her, to approach her level. (Not surprisingly, I experienced a similar time-lime with the work of Lou Reed.) Anderson is nothing short of a national treasure. Why has she not received a Kennedy Center award?

[@spiderrabbit1556]

Saw her at the Sydney Opera House. My friends at the time hated things they did not understand. I went alone. She was a light to me, showed me that creativity is life. She had an enormous influence on me. When my father died a line from one of her songs, i think is was from Bright Red just echoed with me and had such truth. “When my father died it was like a whole library had burnt down” one of my favourite lines. Another, “Language is a virus”. She also loves dogs, what a star.

[@Sakja]

How did I reach this late age without knowing of her?

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

Because she is a “ nobody “ ,they brought her to light since this sick woke movement ,she fits the mold

[@faunfoto1]

I knew her in 1972.

[@lindajones9304]

I learned of her in early 80's when performance art was popular

[@mimidestiny1]

Watching Anderson Cooper being totally fanboying Laurie Anderson is absolutely delightful. Will there be an Anderson / Anderson collaboration in the works?

[@Emlizardo]

60 Mins chose the right person to interview her, fer sure. It's plain to see they were both enjoying it.

[@JJSo12345]

Fascinated by her work♥️🙏🏻

[@angelikalindenau943]

What a treat, getting to glimpse at the natural genius of this artist whom I have been aware of forever, it seems.

[@sandrinedhaene1123]

I have seen Laurie at Ars Electronica in September 2022 and she blew my mind! Such energy and creativity. I loved her artwork, talk and performance there. Incredible person!

[@Danuta628]

Thank you for this Anderson … for bringing me back to Lori - She is a true treasure and a reflection of a NY that once was .

[@sunshineland]

Wow... I love this! I've never heard of her but I just fall in love with her attitude and energy. She has that twinkle in her eye it's so special. She reminds me of Lee Ann Womack's song "I Hope You Dance", and dancing is sure what Laurie Anderson has been doing throughout her life. Amazing woman! When I grow up I want to be just like her! 🥰

[@momcat2223]

We were blessed to have seen her in 2014 at The Kessler in Dallas. It was a tiny space, packed with people; all spellbound by this incredible woman. Her tale of having been in NYC on 09-11-01 was chilling. Opportunity of a lifetime and we still speak of it. Can't wait to share this video.

[@ellabellaaa2511]

That museum exhibit in real life is one of the most interesting I've ever seen!

[@rodentsofrandomness9203]

It’s on my bucket list to meet her now.

[@RabbitintheMoon]

The brilliance never fades...

[@that1monk]

Laurie Anderson changed my life.

[@andreadaerice]

What an amazing human being. I have loved her since I was 14. When "Language is a Virus" came to the Avant Gard theater in my town, I went and saw it over and over and over again. There isn't anyone like Laurie Anderson and her art is a gift.

[@v.jstans9222]

what a ride! first introdution through tiktok with a dark sinister story, enjoying her O Superman multiple times and now seeing her as a person with a beautiful soul

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

I bought Big Science the day it came out... It was AWESOME!! "This is the time, and this is the record of the time." What a great life she's had.

[@paperprincess1050]

She is marvelous and a marvelous interview, thank you

[@courtneybrown6204]

She is one of the coolest humans that has ever lived.

[@chrisdavenport4054]

I was 16 when I ordered Big Science on cassette from a magazine. It took a month to reach me on the mountain 1986. I just realized what a profound impact #LaurieAnderson has had on my life. Even in my 50's people think I'm oddly creative, love throwing art parties, encouraging costumes, and more than a touch of the surreal on stage with fun lights. I can't thank you enough. That creative, expressive part of me is my favorite.

[@xuzy67]

When I had an answering machine, back in the old days, she was my voice. "Hello, I'm not home right now, but if u want to leave a message just start talking at the sound of the tone". I figured using a sample from Oh Superman would discourage sales persons from filling up my tape. Thank you Laurie.

[@dragonboy718]

She's great, been following her since 1980 "O Superman" days. What a Pioneer....recently saw her DC exhibit/installation

[@uwcb1]

What an amazing human.

[@thomasopdahl1873]

There's a joy there that doesn't need much of a reason beyond who she is. She's the smile of a teenager in 1959 riding in the back of a pickup turning into a drive in in a small town that's all stuck in the mind of a little kid who saw it and never forgot it and still remembers it in wonder.

[@echoriath2759]

SHE is magic!! I had the pleasure of seeing her at a couple of performances and in an interview all in the space of several wonderful days in Wellington in 2020. I flew back home from there on the 8th of March. It was the last live event I went to before lockdown. Had I died on the plane ride home I'd have died a happy man.

[@SandiKaplan]

I was turned onto Laurie Anderson in 1980 and have been breathlessly in love with her ever since. She has been a major building block in my creative life and continues to be. Thank you Anderson for such a beautiful interview. I can’t wait to see the latest show!

[@AlejandroMadrid-tn1gp]

From 1986-1989 I used to play her album nearly every night.

[@mtjoy747]

Her collaboration with Peter Gabriel was fantastic, I still have the album with their track on it.

[@surviverfromLOGIN]

I love her! I heard "O Superman" yesterday, and got hooked instantly.

[@goldenviolet]

Nobody could ever imagine like Lori Anderson. We need more people like her.

[@goldenviolet]

Thank you for highlighting my humble comment.

[@echad6259]

Yup. She's an artist.

[@oppositeofh8]

40+ years of simply adoring her. i am grateful to her for all the joy she's brought to my journey here on earth. in a perfect world, i'd get to spend an afternoon crocheting on a porch, with laurie sittin' next to me, & we'd talk & we'd talk until i couldn't see my stitches. then we'd have a slice of pie.

[@martelvonc]

I saw her exhibit in May. I will be seeing again next week just before it closes. It's very powerful and overwhelms your senses in a very beneficial way. It's well your time to experience it.

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

The only artist who made me understand what art is.

[@lonelylantern9135]

Her intelligence is so refreshing and beautiful.

[@greenblazer2]

Saw the rerun last night. What an incredibly talented lady.

[@357CLOUDY]

Her eyes look so happy and alive.

[@selcouth86]

Anyone new to Anderson, def give a listen to O Superman but also Hiawatha. Both are very different but a good intro to her work.

[@Yeggman]

Add "Strange Angels" to the list.

[@chrisr214]

Love Laurie! Was privileged to see her in concert twice.

[@redwoods7370]

Beyond brilliant but humble and unaffected. She seems like she is a kindly person. She's a national treasure.

[@exactsame]

May I add she is a global treasure Love from Scotland

[@aalbi2781]

Her album Strange Angels was a revelation and shook me positively to the core!

[@TrishCarefreePuggle]

I saw Laurie Anderson play in 1983 at the Viennese Concert House. Today it's still by far one of THE best and most riveting concerts I've ever attended.

[@joannakale]

These two are delightful together!

[@jackrusso5103]

OMG, what presence! A mind like that makes us more and dwarves us. 👍👍

[@jacquelinehera3233]

Amazing person. She made space for creativity and love. She merges so much spirituality, science, and true enthusiasm for life.

[@barrykrakovsky756]

Such a brilliant and interesting person.

[@ejt321]

She embodies freedom of spirit. Love it.

[@schafer2684]

Superb interview! The first concert I took my wife (then girlfriend) to was Laurie Anderson in 1990 in LA. It is still etched in my memory.

[@LasclasesdeMara]

Thank you!! ❤