RIP: Robert Moog

From ONN:

The man who invented the synthesizer has died.
Robert Moog's (mohgz) invention turned electric currents into sound and opened the musical wave that became electronica.

While studying for a doctorate in engineering physics in the 1960s, Moog developed his first voltage-controlled synthesizer modules. By 1964, Moog had marketed the first commercial modular synthesizer.

The synthesizer allows musicians to generate a range of sounds by flipping a switch, twisting a dial, or sliding a knob. Moog's invention stood out for being small, light and versatile.

Moog was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in April. His company's Web site says he died yesterday at his home in Asheville, North Carolina. He was 71.

Pop music has never been the same since the Moog hit the scene...for better or worse...