John Cale is a Welsh singer-songwriter best known for his groundbreaking work as an art rock musician and a founding member of The Velvet Underground.

While studying the viola at Goldsmiths, University of London, Cale became involved with the avant-garde Fluxus movement. Under the tutelage of modern composer Aaron Copland, Cale moved to America in 1963. There, he became involved with major avant-garde composers John Cage, La Monte Young and Tony Conrad. Then, in 1965, he fell in with Lou Reed and for the next three years, made history.

Cale quit the Velvet Underground in 1968 due to creative differences. He went on to a prolific solo career in his own right, as well as a notable career in production (working for artists like Nico, The Stooges, The Modern Lovers and Patti Smith). Cale remains active and as willing to push the boundaries of art as ever.