Electronic Music Pioneer Bob Moog Dies At 71
Electronic Music Pioneer Bob Moog Dies At 71
Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, died on August 21st, leaving a legacy that helped shape decades of music
Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, died on August 21st, leaving a legacy that helped shape decades of music
Dr. Robert Moog, electronic music pioneer and founder of Moog Music Inc., died
on August 21, 2005, following a battle with brain cancer. He was 71.
Born in New York City, New York, Moog showed an early interest in electronic music equipment, building theremins as a teenager. He received a BS in Physics from Queens College (New York City), and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University (New York City). In 1954, he established the R.A. Moog company, which initially sold theremin kits. In 1963, Moog was inspired to create the first Moog Modular synthesizer, which was followed by the Minimoog in 1970. In the midst of running the business, Moog earned his PhD in Engineering Physics from Cornell University in 1965.
After selling the company in 1971, Moog went on to found Big Briar, Inc., which reacquired the rights to the Moog Music name in 2002. Moog Music designs and builds a variety of high-quality products including analog synthesizers, guitar effects modules, theremins, and an acoustic piano controller.
Moog’s electronic music instruments have influenced many styles of music and have been used by the Beatles, Yes, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and countless others. His numerous accolades include a Technical Grammy (2002), The Silver Medal of The Audio Engineering Society, and the Trustee’s Award of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (1970)—plus three honorary doctorates.
“I first came across Bob when he was demonstrating the Fairlight synthesizer at an AES show over 25 years ago,” says Tim Ryan, M-Audio general manager. “What struck me most about him was that he continued to be tirelessly involved with the technology of electronic music—not only through his own inventions, but with many of the other cutting-edge music technology companies. His ongoing and complete dedication to furthering the science of music making will be very much missed.”
M-Audio is proud to offer the Minimoog experience to today’s computer-based musicians via GForce’s Minimonsta:Melohman, an extremely faithful Minimoog emulation.
Moog’s family has established The Bob Moog Foundation dedicated to the advancement of electronic music in his memory. For more information about the foundation, contact Matthew Moog at mattmoog@yahoo.com.
Fans and friends can also direct their sympathies or remembrances to www.caringbridge.com/visit/bobmoog.
Born in New York City, New York, Moog showed an early interest in electronic music equipment, building theremins as a teenager. He received a BS in Physics from Queens College (New York City), and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University (New York City). In 1954, he established the R.A. Moog company, which initially sold theremin kits. In 1963, Moog was inspired to create the first Moog Modular synthesizer, which was followed by the Minimoog in 1970. In the midst of running the business, Moog earned his PhD in Engineering Physics from Cornell University in 1965.
After selling the company in 1971, Moog went on to found Big Briar, Inc., which reacquired the rights to the Moog Music name in 2002. Moog Music designs and builds a variety of high-quality products including analog synthesizers, guitar effects modules, theremins, and an acoustic piano controller.
Moog’s electronic music instruments have influenced many styles of music and have been used by the Beatles, Yes, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and countless others. His numerous accolades include a Technical Grammy (2002), The Silver Medal of The Audio Engineering Society, and the Trustee’s Award of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (1970)—plus three honorary doctorates.
“I first came across Bob when he was demonstrating the Fairlight synthesizer at an AES show over 25 years ago,” says Tim Ryan, M-Audio general manager. “What struck me most about him was that he continued to be tirelessly involved with the technology of electronic music—not only through his own inventions, but with many of the other cutting-edge music technology companies. His ongoing and complete dedication to furthering the science of music making will be very much missed.”
M-Audio is proud to offer the Minimoog experience to today’s computer-based musicians via GForce’s Minimonsta:Melohman, an extremely faithful Minimoog emulation.
Moog’s family has established The Bob Moog Foundation dedicated to the advancement of electronic music in his memory. For more information about the foundation, contact Matthew Moog at mattmoog@yahoo.com.
Fans and friends can also direct their sympathies or remembrances to www.caringbridge.com/visit/bobmoog.
