Charlemagne Palestine (born August 15, 1945) is an American avant-garde composer, performance artist, and visual artist, known for his pioneering contributions to minimalist music and experimental sound art. Born in Brooklyn, New York, as Charles Martin, he later adopted the name Charlemagne Palestine to reflect his Jewish heritage and European roots. His work often features sustained tones, electronic synthesizers, vocals, and ritualistic performances, exploring the physicality and spatiality of sound. In the 1960s, he collaborated with minimalist pioneers like La Monte Young and developed a unique 'drone' style. Notable works include 'The Golden Mean' and 'Strumming Music,' which have influenced experimental and ambient music. He also creates visual art exhibited internationally.
