(1941– )
a US rock musician with a harsh voice who also played the saxophone and who had a great influence on punk (1) rock music. He was born Don Van Vliet and began his recording career in 1964. Albums recorded by him and his Magic Band included Safe as Milk (1967), Trout Mask Replica (1969) and Ice Cream for Crow (1982). Captain Beefheart himself gave up performing in 1982 to become a painter.