John Cage

Composer of avant-garde music

John Cage - Composer of avant-garde music
Born

September 5th, 1912
112 years ago

Died

August 12th, 1992
32 years ago — 79 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

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

Ken Meuleman

Australian cricketer and batsman
Born
September 5th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent cricketer, played for Australia in the 1950s. Made his Test debut in 1956, contributing to the team's success in various matches. He played domestic cricket for Tasmania and represented Australia in 14 Test matches. Known for his elegant batting style, he also served as a reliable fielder during his career. His efforts in cricket had notable influence on the sport in Australia.

Continue Reading

Cathy Guisewite

American cartoonist, creator of Cathy
Born
September 5th, 1950 74 years ago

A cartoonist gained recognition for creating the comic strip 'Cathy', which debuted in 1976. The strip follows the life and challenges of a single woman, illustrating themes of love, career, and body image with humor. 'Cathy' became widely popular, appearing in over 1,400 newspapers at its peak. This work highlighted social issues and everyday tribulations faced by women, making it relatable for a broad audience. Additionally, published several books that compiled her comic strips and delved deeper into the life experiences of her characters.

Continue Reading

Nicanor Parra

Chilean poet and creator of antipoetry
Born
September 5th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2018 7 years ago — 103 years old

A prominent figure in contemporary literature, contributed significantly to poetry through the development of antipoetry, a form that subverts traditional poetic conventions. Published several collections, including 'Poemas y Antipoemas' in 1954, which challenged the status quo of poetry in the Spanish language. Recognized for an unconventional style that incorporated humor and everyday language, making poetry accessible to a broader audience. Received numerous awards throughout a long literary career, solidifying a place as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Continued to write and engage in literary discourse until his death in 2018.

Continue Reading

Dean Ford

Scottish singer-songwriter with Marmalade
Born
September 5th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 72 years old

A Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist, rose to prominence in the 1960s as the lead vocalist of the pop band Marmalade. The group achieved significant commercial success with their hit singles, including a chart-topping cover of 'Reflections of My Life' in 1969. Ford later embarked on a solo career, producing music that continued to reflect his distinctive style and songwriting. Additionally, contributed to various albums and performances throughout his life, showcasing talent and creativity within the music industry.

Continue Reading

Josué de Castro

Brazilian physician and activist
Born
September 5th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1973 51 years ago — 65 years old

A physician and geographer focused on public health and nutrition. Specialized in the study of hunger and food security, advocating for social reform policies to combat poverty. Contributed significantly to the field of geography with research emphasizing the relationship between health and environmental factors. Served as a senator in Brazil, promoting human rights and health advancements. Published influential works, including 'Geografia da Fome' (Geography of Hunger), which analyzed the causes and effects of hunger in Brazil.

Continue Reading

Rosevelt Colvin

American football linebacker and sportscaster
Born
September 5th, 1977 47 years ago

Played linebacker in the National Football League, primarily for the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears. As a member of the Patriots, participated in Super Bowl XXXVIII, where the team secured victory against the Carolina Panthers. Transitioned to a broadcasting career after retiring from professional football, contributing to sports analysis and commentary.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 12th

Pope Innocent XI

Pope and reformer of the Catholic Church
Born
May 16th, 1611 413 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1689 335 years ago — 78 years old

Served as Pope from 1676 to 1689, overseeing significant church reforms and confronting the rising power of secular authorities. Tackled issues such as ecclesiastical discipline and financial administration within the Church. He is recognized for his opposition to the abuses of the Jesuits and their influence in Europe. Under his papacy, the church sought to restore its moral authority and address corruption. Faced challenges from emerging modern states and worked towards strengthening the papal power.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Steinitz

Chess Player and Theoretician, World Champion
Born
1836 189 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1900 124 years ago — 64 years old

An Austrian chess player and theoretician, contributed significantly to chess theory and strategy. Dominated the chess scene in the 19th century, winning the first official World Chess Championship in 1886 against Johannes Zukertort. Established foundational principles of positional play, emphasizing the importance of pawn structure and piece activity. Authored several books on chess strategy, furthering the understanding of the game.

Continue Reading

Ian Fleming

Spy author of the James Bond series
Born
May 28th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1964 60 years ago — 56 years old

An English author and journalist, contributed significantly to popular literature through the creation of a fictional British secret agent. Worked as a naval intelligence officer during World War II, which inspired many details in the writing. The character appeared in twelve novels and numerous short stories, establishing a genre that combined espionage with action and adventure. The first book, 'Casino Royale,' released in 1953, laid the groundwork for a franchise that would include films, television, and various adaptations.

Continue Reading

Ernst Boris Chain

Biochemist, Nobel Prize in Physiology
Born
June 19th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1979 45 years ago — 73 years old

A biochemist and academic, made significant contributions to the field of antibiotic research. Worked on the development of penicillin, contributing to its mass production during World War II. Held academic positions throughout his career, including at the University of London, and later at various institutions in Ireland. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945, sharing the honor with Alexander Fleming and Howard Florey for the discovery and development of penicillin.

Continue Reading

David McLetchie

Scottish lawyer and politician, former MSP
Born
August 6th, 1952 72 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2013 11 years ago — 61 years old

Served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians from 1999 to 2003. Held the position of leader of the Scottish Conservative Party from 2002 to 2005, contributing to key party strategies during a significant period in Scottish politics. Engaged in legal practice and politics throughout a career marked by commitment to public service and party leadership. Actively involved in various parliamentary committees and maintained a focus on legal and constitutional matters.

Continue Reading

Lauren Bacall

American actress known for To Have and Have Not
Born
September 16th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2014 10 years ago — 89 years old

An influential American actress, Bacall gained recognition for her distinctive voice and sultry looks. She achieved prominence during the Golden Age of Hollywood, making a remarkable film debut in the classic 'To Have and Have Not' alongside Humphrey Bogart. Bacall's collaborative works with Bogart included 'The Big Sleep' and 'Key Largo'. Over a career spanning several decades, Bacall earned acclaim on both stage and screen, receiving multiple awards including two Academy Awards and a Tony Award. Beyond her film contributions, Bacall was also known for her performances in the Broadway productions such as 'Applause'. Her cinematic legacy and contributions to arts left a lasting impression on Hollywood.

Continue Reading