Just thought I ought to mark the passing of Dr Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, who has died of brain cancer at the age of 71. Electronic music and prog rock just wouldn't be the same without him. RIP.

Robert Moog has gone onto, perhaps bigger and better things. He developed a synthesizer sound that was used by many of the 70s Glitz Rock groups. Specially Chickory Tip and 'Son Of My Father'

Maybe without Robert music would have been a little less glitzy, who knows.

Anyway, he has left, and left a legacy.

Such a shame.

RIP

He was a genius, like his early mentor, Raymond Scott.

unaddressed letter
written by Raymond Scott
c. late 1970s



Gentlemen: I have a story that may be of interest to you.

It is not widely known who invented the circuitry concept for the automatic sequential performance of musical pitches - now well known as a sequencer.

I, however, do know who the inventor was - for it was I who first conceived and built the sequencer.

Bob Moog, who visited me occasionally at my lab on Long Island, was among the first to see and witness the performance of my UJT-Relay sequencer.

To digress for a bit: I was so secretive about my development activities - perhaps neurotically so - that I was always reminding Bob that he mustn't copy or reveal my sequencer work to anyone. I understand, now, my personal need for secrecy at that time. Electronic music for commercials and films was my living then - and I thought I had this great advantage - because of my sequencer.

Word naturally got around about the nature of what my device accomplished, but Bob Moog continued to be loyal. I must say Bob Moog is a most honorable person. He steadfastly refrained from embodying my sequencer in his equipment line until the sheer pressure of so many manufacturers using the sequencer forced him to compete. Yet, he used the simplest version, though he knew about my most advanced sequencer. Quite a gentleman, and a super talent besides.

Now, with the passing of years, I guess I regret my secrecy and would like for people to know of what I accomplished.

-Raymond Scott

moogs were great, once saw one at a car boot... another "one that got away" story as i didn't ask how much it was as i didn't have any money on me!

funny how yamaha etc. tried to out-do moogs with digital fm synthesis, then gave up and tried to emulate moog again!