Holmes Sterling Morrison Jr. ( born August 28 , 1942 â `` died August 30 , 1995 ) was an American musician ( guitar ) , best known as a founding member of the Velvet Underground . Holmes Sterling Morrison , Jr. ( August 28 , 1942 -- August 30 , 1995 ) was one of the founding members of the rock group The Velvet Underground , usually playing electric guitar , occasionally bass guitar , and singing backing vocals .