Famous people born on September 5th
September 5 brings together a striking mix of cultural innovators, political power brokers, and enduring pop icons. The date spans centuries, from absolutist monarchy and Romantic art to modern comedy, film, and experimental music. Whether your interests run to arena rock, avant-garde composition, or economic policy, this birthday list offers unusual breadth and influence.
Notable highlights
- Freddie Mercury (1946) - The Queen frontman fused operatic flamboyance with hard rock precision, turning songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" into global sing-alongs.
- Louis XIV (1638) - The "Sun King" centralized French power and made Versailles a political instrument as much as a palace.
- John Cage (1912) - A pioneer of chance operations and prepared piano, he redefined what audiences could consider music.
- Bob Newhart (1929) - His stammering, deadpan delivery helped reshape American stand-up and led to two landmark TV sitcoms.
- Raquel Welch (1940) - A major 1960s and 1970s screen star, she became a defining figure in Hollywood’s shifting image of celebrity and glamour.
- Werner Herzog (1942) - Known for fearless location filmmaking and philosophical narration, he pursued what he calls "ecstatic truth" in cinema.
- Paul A. Volcker (1927) - As Federal Reserve Chair, he pushed aggressive anti-inflation policies that reshaped U.S. monetary history in the early 1980s.
- Caspar David Friedrich (1774) - A key Romantic painter, he used landscapes and solitary figures to evoke awe, faith, and existential reflection.
- Jesse James (1847) - The outlaw’s legend was amplified by post-Civil War turmoil and a media culture eager for frontier mythology.
- Amy Marcy Beach (1867) - One of America’s first prominent female symphonists, she achieved international recognition while largely self-taught in composition.
On this day
- 1666 - The Great Fire of London is brought under control after destroying much of the city’s medieval core.
- 1774 - The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, coordinating colonial response to British policies.
- 1793 - The Reign of Terror begins during the French Revolution as the Convention authorizes sweeping measures against perceived enemies.
- 1972 - The Munich Olympics are shaken by the hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes, a defining moment in modern sports and security.