John Cale, OBE (b.1942) is a Welsh musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. Born on 9th March 1942 in Garnant, Wales, Cale spoke only Welsh until the age of seven, when he began to learn English at school. He went on to study viola at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he became involved in avant garde music. He travelled to the U.S. to continue his studies, thanks to the help and influence of
Aaron Copland, and met and worked with various avant garde composers, including
John Cage.