Robert Moog, Revolutionary Inventor of the Portable Synthesizer the Minimoog, R.I.P.

You can almost feel the pulse of SLSK as it burns white hot today, scorched from the thousands of people who will type in the word "Moog" in the search engine scrambling to hear what has passed. For today, Robert Moog, inventor of the revolutionary Minimoog synthesizer, regarded by the world of music as the father of the portable synthesizer and of electronic music, has died of a brain tumor. He was 71 years old. Moog was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in March of this year and had been receiving radiation & chemotherapy to fight the disease.

Moog was born in New York City in 1934 where, as a teenager, he became obsessed with building Theremins (those high-pitched squealy sounds heard in things like the theme from Star Trek for example). In 1954, Moog founded The R.A. Moog Company, making electronic instruments as part-time work. In 1964, the company became his full time business and began producing a full line of music synthesizers.

In 1969, the album Switched On Bach was released by musician Wendy Carlos, an album created entirely with a Moog synthesizer. The album sold over 500,000 units in the United States, earning a Gold Record award and moving Moog from working in relative obscurity to an overwhelming demand for his synthesizers. His line of instruments are regarded as the turning point in the creation of electronic music, and Moog's inventions continue to inspire, fascinate, and stimulate imaginations of countless thousands of electronic music creators even today.

Moog's contributions to the world of modern music are beyond explanation, and his legacy will continue forward so long as instruments bearing the name Moog continue to appear around the globe.

If you're curious about whether you've heard any of Moog's hits, check out this track called "Popcorn" by Hot Butter and this Moog classic "E.V.A." by Jean Jacques Perrey, then head over and pick up this incredible compilation, Best Of Moog.

A little bonus, did you ever watch the TV show "The Joker's Wild" in the 70's? I sure did.

Bob's family has created a website where you can share your thoughts about Bob with them and the rest of the world. Rest in Peace, Bob, and thank you for all the groovy music.