Bob Moog was one of the great pioneers of musical synthesizers. Indeed; for much of the 1970s, his last name was synonymous with synthesizers, the same way that in the 1950s and '60s, saying the words "Fender Bass" to any musician caused instant recognition of a new type of instrument and its inventor.
In the 1980s, synthesizers seemed to usurp the electric guitar as the dominant instrument in popular music, becoming more wildly popular than Moog could have possibly imagined. It was for very much the same reason as the electric guitar became possible: it was relatively easy to learn how to play competently, and was capable of a universe of cool sounds.
These days, both instruments share the stage with a sort of wary respect, and a large degree of cross-over is possible. Beginning in his Jeff Beck and Miami Vice days, Jan Hammer used a MiniMoog through a guitar amp to create an amazingly convincing electric guitar sound, and guitarists can play synthesizers themselves, with the right type of interface.
Moog's instruments of the '70s, particularly the MiniMoog, remain popular with musicians such as Hammer, who incorporate them into their line-ups of more advanced instruments in the same sort of way guitarists covet electric guitars from the 1950s: these early devices, while outpaced by newer synths with many more features, are still capable of some pretty nifty sounds.
These days, software-based synthesizers are the rage--allowing a computer to store literally thousands of different sounds. And yet, many of these 21st century programs contain instruments patterned after Dr. Moog's.
Not a bad legacy for any musician or inventor.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Yes, I heard about this today. I can't imagine what classic rock would have sounded like with Dr. Moog's contributions to music.
Someone should create a posting of the top twenty best albums made with Moog synthesizers.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Dr. Moog, sining off? NERRRROWWWWW
3 - Shark
I believe the first album to use a Moog extensively was "Cosmic Sounds" by "Zodiac" (1967)
Another early one was Dick Hyman's album (1969)
Also: The Electronic Spirit of Erik Satie - featuring 'The Moog Synthesizer with The
Camarata Contemporary Chamber Orchestra' (1972)
I had all three of 'em!
-- probably still do, but who knows...
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RIP, Mr. Moog
4 - Eric Olsen
the great popularizer was Walter (now "Wendy") Carlos's Switched On Bach in '68
5 - Eric Olsen
thanks Ed, and sad news - he wasn't all that old, 71
6 - DrPat
Brain tumor was the stated cause of death.
The radio report I heard cited Vangelis (notably the theme from Chariots of Fire) and Yes for taking the Moog synthesizer to new acceptance as an instrument.
7 - Temple Stark
ED,
This has been syndicated to Advance.net, a place affiliated with about 10 newspapers around the country.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article, is published at another place.
Thank you.
Temple Stark
8 - godoggo
Also Carlos's amazing Clockwork Orange album (not to be confused with the soundtrack album, which contained just a few excerpts from the above, including a criminally abridged version of his/her masterpiece Timesteps
Also cool is Tomita's "space music" classic, Snowflakes are Dancing, an album of Debussy arrangements.
Incidentally, I recently saw "Theremin, An Electronic Journey," which had some involvement by Moog. I had just hung around for the film after wandering in under the misapprehension that there was a jazz concered scheduled for the evening, but ended up seeing one of the most brilliant, moving documentaries I've ever experienced. Moog also produced the one album by history's greatest theremin virtuoso, Clara Rockmore, who is heavily featured in the movie, and managed to tweak heartbreakingly beautiful sounds out of the instrument.
9 - Shark
DrPat: "The radio report... cited Vangelis (notably the theme from Chariots of Fire) and Yes for taking the Moog synthesizer to new acceptance as an instrument."
Two Words:
Keith. Emerson.
And anyone ever heard of Moondog?
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Historical Note:
Gotta give a nod and a mention to a music professor from my alma mater, (U. North Texas, aka NTSU) the late great Merrill Ellis (1916-1981) -- who had a lot to do with the development of the Moog -- and especially the education of young musicians who would later play and write for the instrument.
10 - Shark
Oh my gawd. Just found Zodiac: Cosmic Sounds and Moondog at Amazon.
Ain't technology great?!
Ed, you should put them in your "books" listing up top!
11 - Eric Olsen
all very interesting info, thanks!
I highly recommend Ambient Century by Mark Prendergast as an extremely thorough look at the development of synthesized music (among many other things)
12 - Shark
Godoggo: was that documentary "Theremin, An Electronic ODYSSEY?"
Thanks in advance!
S
13 - godoggo
Yes.
14 - Melissa Lafkas
Chris- I used to know you as Keith Malaise...I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I've been in touch with Mick Helmel lately, and told him about an old website on the Mab...ginger coyote...where are they now that kind of thing...Please send a reply if you and liz are still around what's new? My sympathies for your dad, and Mick sends his best to you as well.
15 - Miranda Moog
Robert Moog actually happens to be my great cousin. Sadly enough I never got to meet him, but what he did was amazing!! And makes me so proud to be a Moog.