Music Pioneer Bob Moog Dies at 71

Bob Moog, creator of the always-hip Moog Synthesizer, died this past Sunday at the age of 71. The musician passed away at his North Carolina home after a four month battle with brain cancer. Not merely the bearer of one of the most recognizable names in music, Moog was also a pioneer of the electronic genre.

Working with musical instruments for practically his entire life, Moog began his career building Theremins with his father at the age of 14. The Moog Modular Synthesizer came into being in 1963, with the final product completed a year later. He also created the Minimoog, the first easily transportable synthesizer.

Heard in music by the likes of the Doors, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys, Moog's instruments can still be found in use by many of today's artists. Moog has received many awards, including a Grammy Trustees Award for lifetime achievement and the Silver Medal of the Audio Engineering Society.

Survived by his wife, Ilena, and five children, Moog will always be remembered in the music community and beyond. No public ceremony is planned for Moog, but his family has established the Bob Moog Foundation, dedicated to the advancement of electronic music.