John Cale

John Cale, a classically trained musician, was born in Wales and became fascinated with both experimental classical music and American rock-n-roll. He accepted a chance to study music in New York in the early 1960s, where he became an apprentice of John Cage, including performing a relay piano piece with him on stage.

During his studies, Cale needed some quick cash and became the bass guitarist for a band called the Primitives, formed around a song by Lou Reed, who was then a staff writer for a small record label. The record bombed, but Cale and Reed became musical partners and co-writers.

The following year, Cale, Reed, and Sterling Morrison formed The Velvet Underground, with Cale's classical background giving the band a unique, refined edge and intellectual appeal. Despite slow progress as a rock band, Cale was missing the British Isles and the group was considering moving to England before their meeting with Andy Warhol at the end of 1965.

Warhol, who became their manager and producer, put the band to work, performing live, providing soundtracks for his films, and even appearing in the films occasionally. He also teamed up actress and singer Nico with the Velvets, securing them a recording contract with MGM's Verve label. Besides their working relationship, Cale and Reed formed close personal ties with Warhol.

A falling-out between Cale and Reed in 1968 led to his exit from the Velvet Underground, shortly after Nico's departure and the band's firing of Warhol. With his gained experience, Cale became a writer and producer in his own right, making solo albums and producing records for other artists, including Nico's "The Marble Index".

Cale and Lou Reed mended their friendship during the 1970s, but did not work together again until 1988, after Andy Warhol's death. The tributes they had been working on separately turned into the joint album "Songs For Drella", a nickname for Warhol, which became a surprise hit in 1989.

Cale continued his solo writing and producing, and reunited with the Velvet Underground in 1992 for a tour and a live album. With admirers in both the rock and classical worlds, Cale has secured a place for himself in popular music.