John Cage
Composer of avant-garde music
An American composer and music theorist, contributed significantly to contemporary classical music. Developed innovative techniques in composition, including the use of chance operations and non-standard instruments. Wrote influential works such as '4'33''', which challenges traditional notions of music and silence. Advocated for experimental approaches in music, blending various art forms and traditions.
Created the silent composition '4'33'''
Pioneered prepared piano techniques
Developed concepts of indeterminacy in music
Other People Born on September 5th
Sergei Loznitsa
Film director and screenwriter
Born
September 5th, 1964 61 years ago
Born in Belarus and based in Ukraine, this director and screenwriter created a significant body of work focused on documentary and narrative films. Graduated from the Kyiv National I.K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University. Directed both feature films and acclaimed documentaries, often exploring themes of history and memory. Gained international recognition for works that critique social and political systems.
Continue ReadingBenita Ferrero-Waldner
Austrian diplomat, Foreign Minister
Born
September 5th, 1948 77 years ago
Austrian lawyer, politician, and diplomat held the position of Foreign Minister from 2000 to 2004. Served as Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy at the European Commission from 2004 to 2010. Involved in various international diplomatic initiatives and represented Austria in the European Union. Played a significant role in European integration and foreign affairs during tenure.
Continue ReadingMac Jones
American football quarterback, Alabama
Born
September 5th, 1998 27 years ago
A prominent American football player, attended the University of Alabama where achieved significant success. Played as a quarterback and led Alabama to a national championship title in 2020. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, starting in multiple games during the rookie season. Acquired recognition for athletic skill and performance in professional football.
Continue ReadingSarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Indian philosopher and politician
Born
September 5th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1975 50 years ago — 86 years old
Served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Prior to this role, held positions as the Vice President and as an influential philosopher and educator. Contributed significantly to the field of comparative religion and philosophy, promoting the understanding of Indian thought in the global context. Authored several books, including 'Indian Philosophy' and 'The Hindu View of Life', bridging gaps between Eastern and Western philosophies.
Continue ReadingFrank Thomas
Voice Actor, Animator, Screenwriter
Born
September 5th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2004 21 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent figure in animation, contributed to the iconic film 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and worked extensively with Disney from the 1930s to the 1980s. Participated in the creation of memorable characters and sequences, showcasing exceptional skill in animation and storytelling. Co-authored the influential book 'Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life', which detailed the principles and techniques of animation. His work laid foundations for future generations of animators and the evolution of animated cinema.
Continue ReadingDavion Mitchell
Basketball player; NBA Championship winner
Born
September 5th, 1998 27 years ago
A professional basketball player who played college basketball at Baylor University. During the 2020-2021 season, led the Baylor Bears to an NCAA Championship victory. Following college, played for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, demonstrating defensive skills and playmaking ability.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 12th
Jean Drapeau
Canadian politician, former Mayor of Montreal
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1999 26 years ago — 83 years old
Served as the 37th Mayor of Montreal for 29 years across two terms from 1954 to 1957 and from 1960 to 1986. Instrumental in the success of Expo 67, which celebrated Canada's centennial and showcased Montreal to the world. Played a significant role in the development of the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of the La Ronde amusement park and the building of the Olympic Stadium for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Advocated for the artistic and cultural advancement of Montreal.
Continue ReadingNikolai Triik
Estonian painter and illustrator
Born
August 7th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1940 85 years ago — 56 years old
Born in Estonia, an influential painter and illustrator emerged, primarily recognized for contributions to the development of modern art in the region. Active during the 20th century, created vivid landscapes and expressive works reflecting the Estonian identity and culture. Studied at the St. Petersburg State Academy of Arts, influencing a generation of artists. Collaborated with various artists and exhibited works in multiple venues, gaining attention for unique stylistic elements that integrated both realism and impressionism.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Schottky
Mathematician and theoretical physicist
Born
July 24th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1935 90 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1851, contributions to mathematics and physics included the development of the Schottky diode, a semiconductor device vital in modern electronics. Worked extensively on thermionic emission and solid-state physics, enhancing the understanding of electron behavior in solids. Held academic positions, influencing the field of theoretical physics through research and publications.
Continue ReadingBill Yeoman
College football coach and player
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2020 5 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to college football as a player and coach. Played as a quarterback at the University of Houston. Served as the head coach for the University of Houston from 1962 to 1986, where contributed to the team's rise in the sport. Developed the veer offense, influencing football tactics in the college game. Achieved notable success including multiple conference championships and bowl game appearances during tenure.
Continue ReadingJoe Kubert
Comic book artist and educator, The Kubert School
Born
September 18th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 85 years old
An influential comic book artist and illustrator, contributed significantly to the industry with a distinctive style and proficiency in various comic genres. Founded The Kubert School in 1976, a prominent institution dedicated to the education of aspiring comic artists. Created iconic characters such as Hawkman and Sgt. Rock during a prolific career working with major publishers like DC Comics. Also authored and illustrated numerous graphic novels, showcasing a commitment to the medium's artistic potential.
Continue ReadingHenry Fonda
American actor in classic films
Born
May 16th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1982 43 years ago — 77 years old
An influential American actor whose career spanned over five decades. Became prominent in the 1930s and gained recognition for performances in films such as 'The Grapes of Wrath', '12 Angry Men', and 'On Golden Pond'. Fonda's work earned him accolades and cemented a legacy in Hollywood. He was also a recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'On Golden Pond'.
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