Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn, Jr. (July 12, 1934 – February 27, 2013)

(AP) – Van Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition helped thaw the Cold War and launched a spectacular career
that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status, has died.

Cliburn died early Wednesday at his Fort Worth home surrounded by loved ones 
following a battle with bone cancer, said his publicist and longtime friend Mary
Lou Falcone.

Cliburn made what would be his last public appearance in September at the 50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition named for him.