John Cage

Date of Birth: September 5, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 12, 1992

Biography

John Milton Cage Jr. was an American composer, music theorist, and artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Born on September 5, 1912, in Los Angeles, California, Cage’s innovative approach to music redefined the boundaries of composition and performance. He is best known for his 1952 composition 4′33″, which consists of the sounds of the environment heard by the audience during the performance, famously challenging the traditional concept of music. Cage was a pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments. His influence extended beyond music to literature, visual arts, and dance, notably through his long-term collaboration with choreographer Merce Cunningham. Cage passed away on August 12, 1992, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke thought in the arts community.

5 Interesting Facts about John Cage

1. John Cage studied under famed composer Arnold Schoenberg, who called Cage “not a composer, but an inventor of genius.”

2. Cage was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies and Zen Buddhism, which played a significant role in his approach to music and art.

3. He was an avid mycologist (mushroom expert) and even co-founded the New York Mycological Society.

4. Cage’s interest in chance operations led him to use the I Ching, an ancient Chinese divination text, to create compositions.

5. His work “Imaginary Landscape No. 4” is one of the first compositions to use radio receivers as instruments, highlighting his innovative use of technology in music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Cage

1. “I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.”

2. “Everything we do is music.”

3. “If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, then eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually one discovers that it is not boring at all.”

4. “The highest purpose is to have no purpose at all.”

5. “We are involved in a life that passes understanding and our highest business is our daily life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Cage’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain precisely, but it has been estimated that he amassed a net worth of around $5 million at the peak of his career, considering his prolific output, performances, and influence.

Children

John Cage did not have any biological children. His legacy, however, lives on through his numerous students, collaborators, and the countless artists inspired by his work.