# John Cale

> Welsh composer, singer-songwriter and record producer (born 1942)

**Wikidata**: [Q45909](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45909)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cale)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-cale

## Summary
John Cale is a Welsh composer, singer-songwriter, and record producer born in 1942. He is best known as a founding member of the American rock band The Velvet Underground and for a prolific solo career that spans genres including experimental rock, art rock, and classical music.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 9, 1942
- **Nationality**: Welsh / United Kingdom
- **Education**: Goldsmiths, University of London; National Youth Orchestra of Wales
- **Known for**: Founding membership in The Velvet Underground; solo albums *Paris 1919* and *Music for a New Society*; production work for other artists
- **Employer(s)**: Associated with employer entity Q64485206
- **Field(s)**: Music, Film Scoring, Record Production

## Contributions
John Cale has produced a diverse body of work across multiple musical genres. His notable solo albums include *Paris 1919* (1973) and *Music for a New Society* (1982). He composed the film score for the film *Paris 1919*. As a record producer, he has worked with various labels and artists, influencing the sound of experimental and alternative rock. He has contributed to the genre of drone music and spoken word performances. His work in film scoring is noted as a specific contribution to the arts.

## FAQs
**What is John Cale's background in music?**
John Cale was born in Wales and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He later studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, before moving into the professional music scene.

**What are John Cale's most famous musical works?**
He is most famous for his work with The Velvet Underground and his solo albums, particularly *Paris 1919* (1973) and *Music for a New Society* (1982).

**What genres does John Cale's music encompass?**
His music spans a wide range of genres including experimental rock, art rock, alternative rock, pop rock, folk rock, drone music, avant-garde music, spoken word, and classical music.

**What awards has John Cale received?**
John Cale has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and has received honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Antwerp. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Velvet Underground.

**Who has John Cale worked with or been influenced by?**
He has been influenced by composers such as Iannis Xenakis, Morton Feldman, Edgard Varèse, La Monte Young, and Bedřich Smetana. He was a member of the Theatre of Eternal Music.

## Why They Matter
John Cale matters as a pivotal figure in the intersection of classical avant-garde and popular rock music. As a founding member of The Velvet Underground, he helped establish the band's experimental sound, which became foundational for the development of alternative and art rock. His solo career demonstrated a versatility that bridged high-art concepts—derived from his work with figures like La Monte Young and Iannis Xenakis—with accessible pop and rock structures. His influence extends through his production work and his role in legitimizing the incorporation of drone, noise, and classical composition techniques within the rock idiom.

## Notable For
- Being a founding member of The Velvet Underground, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Releasing the critically acclaimed album *Paris 1919* in 1973.
- Releasing the influential experimental album *Music for a New Society* in 1982.
- Being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Antwerp.
- Pioneering the integration of drone music and avant-garde classical techniques into rock music.
- Working as a record producer and film score composer.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
John Davies Cale was born on March 9, 1942. He holds citizenship in the United Kingdom. His musical education began in Wales, where he was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (founded in 1945). He subsequently attended Goldsmiths, University of London (founded in 1891), a public research university known for its arts programs.

### The Velvet Underground and Early Career
Cale is best known as a member of The Velvet Underground, an American rock band formed in 1965. His work with the band, which originated in 1965, was instrumental in the development of experimental rock, art rock, and proto-punk genres. The band's legacy led to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (founded in 1983).

### Solo Musical Career
Cale's solo career is marked by significant genre diversity. He has released major works including the album *Paris 1919* in 1973 and *Music for a New Society* in 1982. His musical output encompasses genres such as experimental rock, alternative rock, art rock, pop rock, folk rock, drone music, avant-garde music, spoken word, and classical music.

### Collaborations and Influences
Cale's work has been influenced by several prominent 20th-century composers and musicians. He was a member of the Theatre of Eternal Music, an American musical group. Key influences include Iannis Xenakis (Greek-French composer), Morton Feldman (American composer), Edgard Varèse (French composer), La Monte Young (American avant-garde composer), and Bedřich Smetana (Czech composer).

### Production and Industry Roles
Beyond performing, Cale has served in multiple capacities within the music industry. He is recognized as a record producer, music arranger, and film score composer. He has been affiliated with numerous record labels throughout his career, including Columbia Records, Reprise Records, Island Records, A&M Records, ZE Records, Beggars Banquet Records, Hannibal Records, EMI Records, I.R.S. Records, and Warner Bros. Records Inc.

### Recognition and Awards
Cale has received significant recognition for his contributions to music. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He has received honorary degrees, including recognition as an honorary doctor of the University of Antwerp in Belgium. He also received the Polish award *Człowiek ze Złotym Uchem*.

### Other Professional Activities
In addition to his musical endeavors, John Cale has worked as a film actor, television actor, and model. He has also authored works as an autobiographer and lyricist. His work in film includes composing film scores, contributing to the soundtrack and score medium.

## References

1. [John Cale. AllMusic](http://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-cale-mn0000224638/biography)
2. B.R.A.H.M.S.
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. What's Welsh for Zen: The Autobiography of John Cale
6. Sedition and Alchemy
7. [Source](http://www.buscabiografias.com/biografia/verDetalle/5706/John%20Cale)
8. [Source](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/john-cale-the-long-reign-of-the-alternative-prince-of-wales-1913013.html)
9. [From the valleys to Venice. The Guardian. 2009](http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2009/may/12/john-cale-venice-biennale-velvet-welsh-pavilion)
10. [John Cale on Lou Reed: 'We Have the Best of Our Fury Laid Out on Vinyl'. 2013](http://www.spin.com/articles/john-cale-lou-reed-velvet-underground-statement/)
11. [A Stunningly Diverse Selection of Great Records Produced by John Cale. 2013](http://flavorwire.com/363517/a-stunningly-diverse-selection-of-great-records-produced-by-john-cale)
12. Discogs
13. [Source](http://www.critikat.com/actualite-cine/critique/salamandra.html)
14. [2012](http://www.wnur.org/terry-riley-john-cale-the-hall-of-mirrors-in-the-palace-at-versailles/)
15. [Source](http://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-cale-mn0000224638/biography)
16. [Source](http://www.furious.com/perfect/johncale2.html)
17. [Source](http://www.music.ucla.edu/john-cale-at-uclas-royce-hall)
18. [Source](http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/article4076251.ece)
19. [Source](http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/at-71-john-cale-is-a-still-vital-living-legend-of-avant-garde/Content?oid=3711188)
20. [Source](http://www.axs.com/john-cale-s-contributions-to-music-history-velvet-underground-and-hall-23829)
21. [Brussels Summer Festival: John Cale](http://www.agendamagazine.be/en/blog/brussels-summer-festival-john-cale)
22. [Poet Simon Armitage collects CBE at Buckingham Palace. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2010](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11800089)
23. [Source](http://www.dzienniklodzki.pl/artykul/3622880,john-cale-z-the-velvet-underground-nagrodzony-na-festiwalu-soundedit-2014-w-lodzi,id,t.html?cookie=1)
24. [Source](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/events/honorary-degrees/previous-editions/honorary-degrees-2009-2000/)
25. Virtual International Authority File
26. [John Cale. Double Six Records](http://doublesixrecords.com/artists/john-cale/)
27. [John Cale and Liam Young, Barbican, review, 'demented joy'. The Daily Telegraph. 2014](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopreviews/11094091/John-Cale-and-Liam-Young-Barbican-review-demented-joy.html)
28. MusicBrainz
29. [Grove Music Online](https://doi.org/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.46285)
30. [The Velvet Underground. Encyclopædia Britannica](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624990/the-Velvet-Underground)
31. [John Cale Q&A: ‘Rock‘n’roll is still a guide for youth’. The Times. 2014](http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/article4076251.ece)
32. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624990/the-Velvet-Underground)
33. SNAC
34. Babelio
35. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
36. [John Cale. Pitchfork. 2012](http://pitchfork.com/features/5-10-15-20/8959-john-cale/)
37. [John Cale: Upsal bych se ďáblu, jen abych mohl hrát melodii ze Smetanovy Vltavy. Czech Radio. 2014](http://www.rozhlas.cz/plus/ranniplus/_zprava/john-cale-upsal-bych-se-dablu-jen-abych-mohl-hrat-melodii-ze-smetanovy-vltavy--1422213)
38. [Source](http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9356-paris-1919/)
39. [Source](http://www.headheritage.co.uk/unsung/thebookofseth/john-cale-fear)
40. [Source](http://soundcheck.wnyc.org/story/243352-john-cale/)
41. [Source](http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1223-sun-blindness-music/)
42. [Source](http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/john-cale/biography)
43. [Source](http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live-reviews/john-cale-royal-festival-hall-london-131012-111655)
44. [Source](http://www.mtv.com/news/507425/john-cales-15-minutes-in-tokyo/)
45. [Source](http://louderthanwar.com/john-cale-conflict-catalysis-productions-arrangements-1966-2006-album-review/)
46. [Source](http://werksman.home.xs4all.nl/cale/guest/)
47. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
48. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/film/fluxfilm30_cale.html)
49. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/historical/cale/index.html)
50. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/sound/cale.html)