John Davies Cale (born March 9, 1942) is a Welsh musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his work in rock music, particularly as a founding member of The Velvet Underground, although he has worked in a variety of styles over the years. Early life and career John Cale was born in Garnant in the heavily industrial Amman Valley, and Welsh is his first language. Having discovered a talent for viola, he studied music at Goldsmiths College, the University of London, where he stayed in room E14 Raymont Hall (in Brockley). He then traveled to the U.S. to continue his musical training, thanks to the help and influence of Aaron Copland. Arriving in New York City, he met a number of influential composers. With John Cage and several others, Cale participated in an 18-hour piano-playing marathon that was the first full-length performance of Erik Satie's "Vexations". More significantly,