John Cage, one of the most influential American composers of the 20th century, passed away on August 12, 1992, at the age of 79. John got his start as a classical composer before embracing unorthodox techniques and methods later in his career. He was a pioneer of chance music, integrating generator tables and technology into his pieces, as well as an accredited proponent of what he termed 'prepared piano' and later 'electronic music'. During his career, Cage composed over 300 works, including 4′33″, which gained notoriety for its complete lack of sound and has been described as a reflection of everyday ambience and noise. John's impact on contemporary music is almost unparalleled, and his influence is evident in art, music, and academia. He taught at New York City's New School and was awarded honorary doctorates from several University institutions, as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1960. In addition, Cage was the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Award of Distinguished Services to the Arts from the National Assocation of Music Merchants in 1981. John left behind an impressive legacy of innovation and thought-provoking work that will continue to inspire future generations. He will be greatly missed.