Goodbye Moog

[greatbear]

As some of my readership has known (or at least figured out by now) I have a very strong interest in music. Also, I have just as strong an interest in electronics. Both of these seemingly unrelated interests seemed to become a part of me in my earliest years. So, it is no surprise that any melding of these two is bound to strike a chord (no pun intended) in me. Between the electric guitar and, especially, the synthesizer I have found my 'core' music interests. Progressive rock of course strongly mixes these two instruments. In fact, the synthesizer is widely credited for spawning the prog rock genre.

Today though, I cannot help but feel saddened, since Robert Moog, the inventor of the first widely used, commercially viable synthesizer has died.

A true pioneer, Bob Moog changed the face of music forever with his creations. And recently, the Moog and other 'classic' analog synths are enjoying a comeback, both as the original instruments are being restored, or digital equivalents in hardware or software are being developed. So, Mr. Moog was reminded about his valuable contribution in recent years. I hope he died well, knowing the lives he touched still thank him.

One of many stories of Robert Moog.

Comments

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

I'm just young enough that synthesizers came in during my childhood, so they've pretty much been a part of music ever since I can remember. Because of that, I remember the time when ANY kind of synthesizer was referred to generically as a "Moog".

I've also noticed there's continuing interest in one of the first really powerful digital synthesizers - the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument, or CMI for short. One of my favorite albums (Ebn-Ozn's Feeling Cavalier) probably would never have been made without the Fairlight CMI.

And it all started with Robert Moog. Farewell, sir.