366Art | John Cale

Today is the birthday of John Cale, composer, songwriter, producer, and co-founder of the rock band The Velvet Underground. The edit above and his portrait on my musical reference / birthday calendar below were made by me, Frieke.

John Cale was born on March 9, 1942, in Wales. He studied at Goldsmiths College, part of the University of London. In 1963, he moved to the music scene in downtown New York City, where he performed in the Theatre of Eternal Music. Cale is known for his versatility and experimental approach in various music genres, including rock, experimental music, classical, and electronic music. Along with Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker, John Cale was a member of the legendary experimental rock band, The Velvet Underground, one of the most progressive and influential rock groups of all time. Cale was often heavily involved in creating their groundbreaking albums, including The Velvet Underground & Nico and White Light/White Heat. Andy Warhol was their manager and a sort of mentor figure to the band. While Warhol did not take on the traditional role of a manager, his support and association with the band were invaluable to their early success and their status as cultural icons. Warhol also designed artwork for various album covers.

After leaving The Velvet Underground in 1968, Cale embarked on a solo career. His solo work encompasses a wide range of styles, from avant-garde and experimental music to more accessible rock songs. Some of his most famous solo albums include Paris 1919, Fear, and Music for a New Society.

John Cale still gives music lectures to this day and recently released a new album, Mercy. On Mercy, John Cale has once again reinvented himself and his music. Electronic soul, vulnerable love songs, robust synthesizers - inspiration for the future.