Moog Music Celebrates Bob Moog on Birthday Anniversary

CELEBRATE BOB: Moog Factory Mural Time Lapse

YouTube Published on May 20, 2012 by MoogMusicInc

Press release with full details below.

"To #CelebrateBob on what would have been his his 78th birthday, Moog Music commissioned a larger-than-life mural of Dr. Moog for their factory in Asheville, NC. The mural was created by local Asheville artist, Dustin Spagnola. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB! Love, your family at Moog.

Dustin Spagnola is a contemporary visual artist who has shown and created work in NYC, Miami, New Orleans, Richmond, Atlanta, Washington, DC and in his home, Asheville, NC. His work is often political in nature and eschews corporate advertising and graffiti culture alike. See more of his work at dustinspagnola.com"

Press Release (image via Moog Music Inc. on Facebook):

"Moog Music Celebrates Namesake Pioneer with One Day Birthday Promotion Event to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation

ASHEVILLE, NC, May 21, 2012 — In celebration of Bob Moog’s 78th birthday Moog Music, Inc. will donate 50% of all online clothing and merchandise sales on May 23rd to the Bob Moog Foundation. For every $350 raised, the company will also donate one Etherwave Theremin to the Foundation’s educational initiative, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, to complete the DBSS Educational Kit that is provided to each participating school. Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool teaches elementary school students the science of sound through the magic of music.

Moog Music will feature a brand new line of product-inspired apparel boasting graphics bold enough to induce a geekfest for synth enthusiasts everywhere. DVDs, CDs, mugs and other ephemera will be part of the benefit promotion.

Moog Music clothing and merchandise can be purchased from the company’s online store: www.moogmusic.com/products/clothing and http://www.moogmusic.com/products/Merch

Moog instruments are not included in this annual fundraising event for the Bob Moog Foundation.

The promotion was created to include Moog customers around the world in the company’s support of the Bob Moog Foundation’s educational outreach efforts. Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool is a STEAM-based initiative, combining science, technology, engineering, art and math. It brings the late inventor’s work and spirit alive for children by teaching the physics of sound through intuitive engaging educational materials, including the theremin.

'Moog Music and our customers celebrate Bob’s pioneering legacy. In a time when science achievement is declining in this country, we are proud to support the Bob Moog Foundation in their efforts to bring science alive through electronic music. We invite all of our customers to make a purchase online on May 23rd and support the Foundation’s important work,' said Mike Adams, Moog Music President & CEO.

Moog Music, Inc. is the world’s leading producer of innovative analog synthesizers. The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent non-profit organization with a mission of igniting creativity at the intersection of music, science and innovation.

Read more about Moog Music at www.moogmusic.com
Read more about the Bob Moog Foundation at: www.bobmoogfoundation.org"

Update:

CELEBRATE BOB: Moog Store Performance

YouTube Published on May 21, 2012 by MoogMusicInc

"To #celebratebob on what would have been his his 78th birthday local Asheville piano teacher, Kim Roney, brought two of her pupils to the Moog Store to perform a song in celebration of Bob Moog's life and legacy. Bob Moog is still inspiring creative exploration in children of all ages. Thank you Dr. Moog, Happy Birthday! How has Bob Moog inspired you? #celebratebob"

Remembering Bob Moog

Amos wrote into AH letting us all know Bob Moog would have been 73 today. Happy birthday Bob, wherever you are.

Image via Robotspeak, where you will find an interview with Bob from 10/29/04.

Update: I just received the following from the Bob Moog Memorial Foundation:
"Remembering Dad:
"The Best Birthday Present Ever"
I own a gift store in downtown Asheville. About five years ago, I happen to be working on my birthday. About an hour after I opened, I was in the back of store setting up a display. It was a quiet spring day and the doors were wide open. I was quietly working away.

My solitude was suddenly and wonderfully interrupted by Dad, who was standing at my front doors singing “Happy Birthday” to me at the top of his lungs. He was so into it. He was waving his arms up and down with the beat, bending his knees and singing so loudly that they heard it half way down the block. I’ve never smiled so much, nor have I ever been more touched.

Dad never really liked celebrating birthdays in the conventional sense because the idea of giving a gift just because you were supposed to troubled him on a deep intellectual level. But hell, who needs a gift when you’ve got your Dad at your door, bellowing out the birthday theme?

Today is Dad’s birthday. He would have been 73. I’m taking the day off to remember him……and to sing to him.

Send Bob a Birthday note--share your Moog Stories at our website.
Take a moment out today to reflect on how Dad touched your life, how he inspired your creativity, how he changed the face of music.

May Moog be with you,
Michelle Moog-Koussa
Executive Director, The Bob Moog Memorial Foundation for Electronic Music
Make Waves. Support Bob's Legacy."

And of course, via MOOG Music:
Happy Birthday Bob - May 23, 1934
Ileana Grams-Moog, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Moog Music President Mike Adams and the Moog Music family gathered today to celebrate Bob's birthday and legacy.

Bob Moog’s Birthday Garners Google Recognition and Industry Support

The Bob Moog Foundation Press Release:

"May 23, 2012 Asheville, NC-- The Bob Moog Foundation is joined by supporters worldwide in their celebration of the anniversary of the synth pioneer’s 78th birthday. Global technology leader Google released their latest doodle, an interactive, synthesizer-based, playable logo, which honors Bob Moog’s inventions. The Moog Doodle can be played using a mouse or by typing to make nearly limitless sounds. Keeping with the theme of 1960s music technology, a keyboard is patched into a 4-track tape recorder allowing the play back and sharing of songs via short links. The doodle can be viewed and played at www.google.com.

Google software engineer Joey Hurst’s plains the impetus behind the Moog doodle, "With his passion for high-tech toolmaking in the service of creativity, Bob Moog is something of a patron saint of the nerdy arts and a hero to many of us here at Google."

BMF Archive and Education Specialist Marc Doty has posted a 15 minute video demonstrating the various parameters of the doodle synthesizer. His video has over 8,000 views and has been picked up by Mashable and the Washington Post. The video can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/JFkWqi

To promote the incredible doodle tribute, the Bob Moog Foundation is hosting a contest on the home page of its website. Music fans from around the world can share their musical creations in the comments section of the blog on the home page of www.moogfoundation.org. A winner will be chosen and awarded Arturia’s Dr. Bob’s Collector’s Pack, which includes award-winning Minimoog and modular Moog software (valued at over $300).

Furthering the celebration, Moog Music, Inc. will donate 50% of all online clothing and merchandise sales on May 23rd to the Bob Moog Foundation. For every $350 raised, the company will also donate one Etherwave Theremin to the Foundation’s educational initiative, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool. This promotion includes their brand new line of product-inspired apparel boasting graphics bold enough to induce a geekfest for synth enthusiasts everywhere. Moog instruments are not included in the annual event.

Moog Music clothing and merchandise can be purchased from the company’s online store: www.moogmusic.com/products/clothing and www.moogmusic.com/merch.

Spectrasonics, creators of the much heralded Omnisphere “soft-synth” and creators of the Bob Moog Tribute Library, have added to the already robust library of 700 sounds another 78 in recognition of Bob’s birthday. Spectrasonics continues to be one of the Foundation’s greatest contributors to continuing the legacy. Visit http://www.spectrasonics.net/products/tribute/ for more information about the BMF Tribute Library.

In the realm of esoteric electronics, starting on May 23rd Hollow Sun Records and electronica maverick Atomic Shadow are donating proceeds from the Shadow’s first two albums to the Bob Moog Foundation. This tribute honors the coincidence that Atomic Shadow and Bob Moog share a birth date and a passion for innovation and music. The albums can be purchased at the discounted price of £3 for a limited time at http://www.hollowsunrecords.co.uk.

Early Girl Eatery in Asheville, North Carolina, where Moog often ate lunch, is hosting the Bob Moog Birthday Salute, honoring its hometown innovator by donating 20% of their total sales from May 23 to The Bob Moog Foundation. The restaurant is open from 7:30am-9:00pm. www.earlygirleatery.com. Marc Doty will perform three sets of live music throughout the day. Anyone who donates $1 or more to the Foundation while at the restaurant will be entered in a raffle to win various Moog-inspired items."

Switched-On: The Birth of the Moog Synthesizer Exhibit Ends This Month

via The Bob Moog Foundation:

"Switched-On: The Birth of the Moog Synthesizer, comes to a close this month after a successful year-long run at The History Center in Tompkins County in Ithaca, New York. The exhibit celebrates the seminal creation of Moog modular synthesizer over 50 years ago. On Saturday, May 16, 2015, a week before what would be Moog’s 81st birthday, The History Center and the Bob Moog Foundation will honor Moog’s life and legacy through the Bob Moog Birthday Bash, which will include a day of performances, discussions and presentations by notable musicians and Moog experts.

The celebration begins with a special screening of the Moog documentary at Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca at 5pm on Friday, May 15th. Trevor Pinch, co-author of Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer, will introduce the film. Michelle Moog–Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation will lead a questions and answer session afterward.

The following day The History Center will host several presentations featuring unique insiders’ perspectives including those by: Roger Luther, former General Manager of Moog Music in Williamsville, NY and creator of Moogarchives.com; Michelle Moog-Koussa and Herb Deutsch, who will host a listening party exploring the 84 minute audio letter that Moog sent to Deutsch in 1964 with the prototype of the Moog synthesizer; and legendary producer and technician, Malcolm Cecil, co-founder of TONTOs Expanding Band and co-producer of four early Stevie Wonder albums. Sean Michaels, author of Us Conductors, a novel based on the life of Leon Theremin, will round out the day of presentations.

Nighttime musical performances include Electric Golem featuring Shueh-Li Ong on theremin and Malcolm Cecil on synthesizer, followed by Mother Mallard with legendary Moog synthesist David Borden, and concluding with a performance by Herb Deutsch.

Birthday Bash attendees will also be able to partake in the featured exhibit, which closes at the end of that day.

A complete listing of happenings as part of Bob Moog’s Birthday Bash, can be found at bobmoogbirthdaybash.splashthat.com and on The History Center in Tompkins County’s Facebook page."

Remembering Bob Moog

[ Note: This post stays on top for the day. Tons going up below. Originally posted at 8:36 AM PST. ]

Today marks the fourth year of Bob Moog's passing. Play a little something for him today.

Be sure to visit The Bob Moog Foundation, and Moog Music where you'll find this wallpaper free of charge.

Don't forget, the "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog Museum Exhibit" runs from August 29 - April 30. Keith Emerson and others will be there opening weekend.

Thank you for everything Bob. The synths, the inspiration, the humor, positive vibes and the magic.

Update: Mark Pulver's Moog tattoo. Mark was good friends with Bob Moog. I remember him getting this tattoo after his passing.

BTW, if you have anything Moog specific you'd like to send in, feel free. You can reach me at matrixsynth at gmail. Of course feel free to comment.

Also, I don't ask for a dime to run this site. I've had people suggest I put up a Paypal Donate Here button. I don't because I do have ads on the site and I believe in offering the site for free. But if you do want to donate, even just a few bucks, donate something to The Bob Moog Foundation. Little donations can add up. They are keeping not only Bob Moog's memory alive, but the magic and history of synths.




Update: On the technical side of things, here is a list of patents (creations) from Bob Moog via Jerry on the SDIY list: "well to name a few, "Voltage-Controlled Electronic Music Modules" (R.A. Moog, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society , Vol.13, No. 3, pp 200-206, July 1965...

Update on the Patents via ASSI:
Here's the fulllist of patents where he is named an inventor:
EP000000157821A4 PEPPER WILLIAM JR MOOG ROBERT A [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... no
EP000000157821A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [DE] LEITFÄHIGE
ELEKTRODENMATRIX UND MATRIX VON WIDERSTANDSELEMENTEN ... yes
US000004778951A PEPPER JR WILLIAM, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Arrays of resistive
elements for use in touch panels and for producing ... yes
US000004280387A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Frequency following circuit yes
US000004213367A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Monophonic touch sensitive keyboard
yes
US000004202238A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Compressor-expander for a musical
instrument yes
US000004180707A MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] Distortion sound effects circuit yes
US000004166197A MOOG ROBERT A, US WALBORN RICHARD M, US [EN] PARAMETRIC ADJUSTMENT
CIRCUIT yes
US000004117413A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] AMPLIFIER WITH MULTIFILTER yes
US000004108041A MOOG ROBERT A COX ROGER FLAVIUS [EN] Phase shifting sound effects
circuit yes
US000004050343A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] Electronic music synthesizer yes
US000003475623A MOOG ROBERT A [EN] ELECTRONIC HIGH-PASS AND LOW-PASS FILTERS
EMPLOYING THE BASE TO ... yes
WO001985001375A1 PEPPER WILLIAM JR, US MOOG ROBERT A, US [EN] CONDUCTIVE
ELECTRODE ARRAYS AND ARRAYS OF RESISTIVE ELEMENTS FOR ... yes

Other patents listed at the site of Don Tillman are either from employees of Moog
Music or related to some inventions that have been used in Moog products (like the
Bode frequency shifter). This is not to take away from Bob, but I'm sure he would
have been the first to point out that some other guy had invented something. The
patent family he's got together with Mr. Pepper is of course for the touch panel
for the Voyager.
Polyphonic Modes
US 4,778,951: Arrays of Resistive Elements for use in Touch Panels and for Producing Electric Fields"

Update via The Bob Moog Foundation:
"August 21, 2009 -- A Moog Day of Rememberance and Celebration
When August 21st comes around each year, we pause to remember Bob and the remarkable legacy that he left for us all to enjoy. His impact is so widespread that people remember him in all kinds of ways that are meaningful to their particular connection with him. Take a moment today to pay tribute to Bob by:

* Connecting with Bob through your instrument. Lay down a killer lead on your synth or play an ethereal melody on your theremin.

* Listening to some of your favorite Moog tunes. Bob loved working with musicians and fed off their creative drive. He was often astonished at what they could do with his instruments.

* Going out and hear some live music tonight. Bob believed deeply in live music as a force that brings people together in community.

* Reading about Bob's life, work, and legacy. Visit the CaringBridge site and read Ileana Grams-Moog's reflection on today's significance.

* Supporting the Bob Moog Foundation. We carry Bob's legacy forward by inspiring and educating people through electronic music. Donate here so that we can continue our important work.


Today we also celebrate the Bob Moog Foundation's third anniversary of making waves. Next week we head to the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA for the opening of the first exhibit featuring Bob's archives. The exhibit, Waves of Inspiration. The Legacy of Moog, pays tribute to Bob's impact and celebrates his legacy, just as we are doing at the foundation today.


The Bob Moog Foundation

Make Waves by donating to the Bob Moog Foundation"

Update via Richard Lainhart in the comments:
"Here's a link to Part 1 of Jordan Rudess and Richard Lainhart's Moog Birthday Space Jam, from May 23, 2004, featuring an introduction by Bob Moog:

http://www.otownmedia.com/Polaris_Part_1.mp3 [link updated]

"50 years ago, American maverick inventor Robert Moog began developing electronic instruments that altered the course of modern music for all time and have since become an integral part of our musical culture. Jordan Rudess, keyboard virtuoso, and Richard Lainhart, synthesist extraordinaire, will be performing live online on Sunday, May 23, at 1 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time, to honor Bob Moog on his 70th birthday, and on the 50th anniversary of his company Moog Music. We'll be using old and new Moog instruments exclusively, including a vintage Mini-Moog, a modern Moog Voyager Mini-Moog, Arturia's Moog Modular V software, and a Moog Etherwave Theremin, in a classic electronic space improvisation streaming live on the Internet from O-Town Live."

Bob was a great man, and a good friend, and we still miss him."

Update: new flickr images in today

Vintage analog synthesizer - Moog

flickr by nra24

Below: moog hockey
Hmm...
flickr by theres no way home

Update: the Moog hockey table has been verified as real. You might remember the Moog phone. Note these were made by Moog in the 80s long after Bob Moog left the company.

Update via NOISECOLLECTIVE
Saint image below with Moog and Roland and: "Here are some pictures of my moog prodigy exposed @the past 'TORINO SYNTH CLINIC'"

Update on the hockey game via brian in the comments: "It's not called Moog hockey, but "Super Chexx" hockey. Sadly, the Super Chexx game has ALWAYS been collectible in the arcade world anyway, due to it's clear plastic bubble look and the sound effects.

With "sound by Moog" written up there at the top as I recall. It sounds REALLY bad, but grainy as hell in a good way. I'd be surprised if it was 8-bit. More like 4..."

MOOG | A Documentary Released by Moog Music In Honor of Bob Moog's Birthday

Published on May 23, 2013 MoogMusicInc·244 videos

"'I opened my mind up and the idea came through me'

In celebration of Bob Moog's 79th Birthday we are proud to present:

Moog | A Documentary Film by Hans Fjellestad

Moog, the film, takes us inside the mind of this legendary figure as he shares his ideas about creativity, design, interactivity and spirituality. To this day Moog continues to shape musical culture with some of the most inspiring instruments ever created."

Awesome pic of Bob Moog as a kid (I believe in the Boy Scouts) below.

http://www.moogmusic.com

And a quick recap on posts for today's special day:

New Bob Moog Foundation Ts for Bob Moog's Birthday
Vintage Moog Desktop Wallpapers via Moog Music in Celebration of Bob's Birthay
Bob Moog's 79th Birthday: Celebrate a Legacy, Inspire the Future
Vintage YMO
City of Asheville Proclaims May 23rd Bob Moog Day

Patrick Moraz Shares Sounds and Sights in Honor of Bob's 75th Birthday

via The Bob Moog Foundation
"Today marks Bob's 75th birthday. Thursday night we celebrated his life and legacy at the Orange Peel in Asheville at Enter the Mind of Moog: Celebrating Bob's 75th Birthday with a live recording session, interactive exhibits, the installation of the MiniMoogseum and much more. Hundreds of enthusiastic attendees joined us and enjoyed a sonic playground replete with Theremins, Moogerfoogers and synthesizers. Wheat Williams, one of our steadfast volunteers, came up from Atlanta to attend the event and blogged live from our site. Check out his reports here. Thanks to all of the volunteers, musicians and attendees for making the evening a fitting tribute and a great success.

Today we celebrate Bob's birthday with Patrick Moraz, a brilliant musician, long-time Moog user and Bob's close friend. In honor of Bob's 75th birthday, Patrick has offered to share some of his life's work to help support the Bob Moog Foundation and celebrate the life of the pioneer that helped shape his sound. Patrick (Mainhorse, Refugee, Yes, Moody Blues) has had a long career marked by prolific performing and composing in genres that stretch from progressive rock to electronica to jazz fusion.

Patrick, who was has been a Moog endorser throughout his career, has played many a Moog and was the owner of a rare dual manual minimoog which he had designed to his own specifications and which he played from 1975, specifically for the Relayer tour with Yes until the end of the 80s while still in The Moody Blues, as well as for all his solo-albums recordings.

In his rise as a virtuoso keyboardist in the mid-70s, Patrick worked closely with Bob testing the Polymoog and Macromoog. He visited the Moog Music factory, then located in Williamsville, NY and Bob visited Patrick in Switzerland to help him with the programming and tweaking of the Polymoog for Patrick's upcoming album Story of I.

Today we are offering a rare and wonderful photo of Bob and Patrick during that period of collaboration. In this particular photo, Bob and Patrick are walking through a field behind the Williamsville factory on their way to Patrick's photoshoot with the Macromoog and Polymoog. Patrick has the Macromoog prototype slung over his shoulder. To view the photo, and others from that day, please see our blog.

In February, Patrick released his most recent album Change of Space. Patrick notes "Change of Space" is a collection of songs and instrumental pieces not previously released which I finished composing, recording, mixing and polishing over a period of about 14 years."
The CD offers three piece instrumentals as well as collaborative works with other highly regarded musicians.

In honor of Bob's 75th birthday, we are offering Patrick's Change of Space and the photo of Bob and Patrick walking through the field with the Macromoog, autographed by Patrick for a donation of $75.00. Donate here today; availability is limited to the first 25 people.

"Dear Bob, wherever you are in the Cosmos, I wish you a very Happy Birthday and a great ride on the "centrifugal beaches of Infinity", on Your Journey around and across the Universe!
You have definitely left an indelible mark on my mind and your sensitivity in all things humans always fascinated me, especially for a scientist and inventor of your caliber!" Happy 75th Birthday, my Friend!"

---Patrick Moraz


The Bob Moog Foundation

Make Waves by donating to the Bob Moog Foundation"

Update: Note the reference to Macromoog, not Micromoog. I confirmed that this was not a typo and indeed was a prototype Macromoog. "According to Patrick, this is indeed a mAcromoog. Patrick says this came out the same time as the Poly, and he's not sure it was ever formally released. He bought one, and used it for a long time. He assures me this is not a Micro--which was much more popular." Update: "It was never really released because the poly was released at the same time and their efforts went into that."

Happy 77th Birthday, Bob Moog!

YouTube Uploaded by MoogMusicInc on May 22, 2011

"In honor of Bob Moog's 77th Birthday, Moog engineer Steve Dunnington summons a Minimoog Voyager Orchestra to play a Mooged Out version of what else?...Happy Birthday!

Steve overdubbed 6 tracks of Minimoog Voyager, one voice at a time, to realize this rendition of Happy Birthday. Using sounds from the Voyager factory presets, this special version of Happy Birthday for Bob was envisioned as a stylistic mashup of Kraftwerk and Jean-Jacques Perry. Both are artists who helped put the Moog Synthesizer in the ear of listeners all over the world.

Happy Birthday, Bob! This year marks some big changes for the little company you started. None of it would be possible without your fearless genius, passion for innovation and overwhelming humility. Thanks for everything, Bob!

All pictures of Bob Moog courtesy of the Bob Moog Foundation. Visit them here.

Make waves. Support Bob's Legacy.

Visit Moog Music on Facebook here.

Follow Moog Music on Twitter here.

To see last years Happy Bday to Bob video here.

To learn more about Moog Music Inc, visit us on the web at: http://moogmusic.com/"

And Bob Moog's 10/10/51 highschool statement for college via The Bob Moog Foundation's "The Birth of a Man. The Birth of a Legacy."

"When I was six years old, I was enrolled in P.S. 24 (Flushing). I enjoyed school and had no problem in garnering high marks. Two years thereafter, I began taking piano lesson(s). While in sixth grade I wrote a winning composition on Fire Prevention, and received a medal from the mayor. At this time, I became interested in science. My father, who is an electrical engineer, encouraged me in my interests. I experimented first with chemistry, then with electricity, and finally with electronics. I graduated from P.S. 24, winning the scholarship and commendation medal. I then enrolled in Bronx High School of Science. My interest in music and science was increasing rapidly. After I built a theremin, my interest in these subjects rose to a new high. Since my entrance in to high school, I have been experimenting with electronic musical instruments. In my second term of high school I won the Fred Z. Kean memorial award for the construction of an electronic organ and a Geiger counter, which were displayed at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Convention, December 28, 1949."

See The Birth of a Man. The Birth of a Legacy for more including the rest of letter.

Update: wanted to call this out in his letter: "My goal is to be an enlightened and respected member of my community. I believe that a college education will allow me to execute my ambitions."

I would say he definitely achieved this.

New 'Bob Moog Birthday' Patches for Omnisphere

via Spectrasonics

"To celebrate the anniversary of Bob Moog's 78th birthday, we've released 78 brand new Omnisphere patches for the Bob Moog Tribute Library. With the addition of the new ‘birthday’ patches created by Producer Eric Persing, the library now features over 800 stunning sounds for Omnisphere!

The new patches are a continuation of our tribute to the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Dr. Robert Moog and support the ongoing work of the Bob Moog Foundation. Last year, we produced the Tribute library with the generosity and creative talents of many renowned synthesizer artists, and it's been a huge success in benefiting the Foundation allowing them to expand their educational outreach programs. 100% of the proceeds from the product go to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

"The stunning sonic offerings of the Bob Moog Tribute Library have helped generate unprecedented support for our mission. We are delighted to see Spectrasonics celebrating Bob's birthday by expanding the musical landscape once again." said Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation.

Owners of the Bob Moog Tribute Library can download the v1.1 update with the new patches under the Omnisphere Updates page in their User Account.

Don't have the Bob Moog Tribute Library yet? It's available now in our Techshop."

Moog Filtered Ale

Bob Moog Foundation Unites with Asheville Brewing Company to Launch 'Moog Filtered Ale'

Proceeds of Limited Edition Brew to Benefit Foundation

May 5, 2010 – Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation are proud to announce the launch of the limited edition Moog Filtered Ale, a pale beer named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. The Ale will be available beginning May 27, 2010 at the Foundation's fundraising event, Moogus Operandi, featuring synthesizer wizard Erik Norlander. All profits from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their projects. The timing of the launch of the beer coincides with the inventor's May 23 birthday.

Moog Filtered Ale will be be distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville's Bruisin' Ales and will be available on tap in various locations throughout Western North Carolina. The beer will be sold from May 27 through July 31, after which it will no longer be available.

"Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It's a very accessible beer that reflects the Moog legacy. I've been a fan of Bob Moog since college, and I am excited to present a beer in honor of an American pioneer,” says Doug Riley, brewer and part owner of the Asheville Brewing Company.

Asheville Brewing has been making outstanding craft beers since 1998 and has won several awards for its beers. As an active supporter of local non-profit groups they are thrilled to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation, whose work is innovative and historical. Through Moog Filtered Ale, Asheville Brewing aims to support the interactive educational programs that the Foundation is developing to teach science through music as well as the eventual creation of a Moogseum.

Asheville Pizza Company President Mike Rangel says, “We are thrilled to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation to help keep Bob's vision and legacy alive. By donating the profits from Moog Filtered Ale, we will be supporting innovative science education through the Foundation's MoogLab outreach project. We are proud to be joining some of the larger beer companies in supporting important educational work in our community. Moog Filtered Ale is absolutely the most exciting project our company has been involved in."

"Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, comments, 'Creating Moog Filtered Ale with the Asheville Brewing Company has been a rewarding project. We are very grateful to Mike Rangel and Doug Riley for their support of our innovative projects, which will benefit Western North Carolina and beyond. The unique partnership between the Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation marks a true match of venture philanthropy and creative fundraising in a economically precarious environment. The proceeds from this project will assist us in continuing our important work.'

The label for the Ale was designed by Asheville artist Phil Cheney. The label, an original graphic in vibrant shades of purple, green, and orange, shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with musical notes, synthesizer knobs, and patch cables floating from his head. The number “76” graces the upper right-hand corner of the label, commemorating Bob Moog's 76th birthday which falls on May 23.

A launch party for Moog Filtered Ale will be held on May 27, 2010, at the Orange Peel in Asheville. The event, Moogus Operandi, will feature virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his massive custom modular synthesizer, affectionately called “the Wall of Doom.” An auction of Moog-inspired art will be held on eBay a week prior to the event and will conclude the night of the event.

Tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and can be purchased through the Orange Peel.

The Ale will be sold exclusively by Greenlife Grocery, the Orange Peel, and Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company from May 27 through May 30. Beginning May 31, Moog Filtered Ale will be available for international retail distribution in bottles exclusively through Bruisin' Ales. It will be available on tap throughout western North Carolina."

Note on the two images in this post: I decided to post both as the top made me reflect on how the label might look printed on the bottle, while the bottom was more clear for digital print.

Tribute to Dr. Bob: Erik Norlander's Galactic Collective & More to Benefit the Bob Moog Foundation

"Tribute to Dr. Bob: Erik Norlander's Galactic Collective, Steven and Drew Heller, Weave Sonic Inspiration to Benefit the Bob Moog Foundation

Asheville, NC - March 26, 2014... In tribute to pioneer Bob Moog's upcoming 80th birthday, maestro synthesist Erik Norlander and his band The Galactic Collective will perform a benefit concert for the Bob Moog Foundation at Isis Music Hall on May 8, 2014 at 8pm. Opening for the band will be Drew Heller, the guitarist for Toubab Krewe, joined by his father, Grammy award winning producer/composer Steven Heller. Tickets are $20, with proceeds benefitting Dr. Bob's Sound School, the Foundation's hallmark educational project.

The Galactic Collective is a re-imagining of Norlander's favorite instrumental songs written for his band Rocket Scientists, his chanteuse spouse Lana Lane, and his many solo albums including Threshold, Into the Sunset, Music Machine and Seas of Orion. He is an accomplished keyboardist and composer who has produced over 30 albums. He has toured and recorded as the keyboardist and co-writer for the Asia spinoff, Asia Featuring John Payne, since 2007 and has also toured extensively with Big Noize, a hard rock supergroup featuring Joe Lynn Turner, Vinny Appice and other rock luminaries. Norlander has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Bob Moog Foundation since 2007, including performing the benefit Moogus Operandi at Asheville's Orange Peel in 2011.

Norlander comments, "Bob Moog brought a new voice to the musical landscape, and our musical vernacular would be very different without his enduring contribution. The Moog name is synonymous with art, science and innovation, and as a keyboardist and synthesist, I can think of no greater tribute than using Bob's timeless inventions as the core instruments in my own craft."

Steven Heller was a longtime friend and colleague of Bob Moog. He has won two Grammy Awards, as well as a number of national awards for his music and recordings. He was production music supervisor for the 1995 Miramax film, "The Journey of August King." and wrote and produced the theme music for "Conversations" and "Evening Rounds," listener call-in programs on the public radio station WCQS.

"Bob was a brilliant, funny, creative, spiritual, loving and generous man," remarks Heller. "I will always cherish our friendship."

Guitarist Drew Heller tours nationally with Afro fusion band Toubab Krewe. Toubab Krewe's first album, Toubab Krewe was released in 2005, around the time that Moog was critically ill. The band's exceptional musicianship left him sonically inspired. Moog's 80th birthday is May 23rd.

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, adds, "On the eve of Bob's 80th birthday, it is a fitting tribute to have these two musical acts converging for an evening of celebration and reverence for Bob's enduring legacy of inspiration though sonic exploration. We are grateful to all of the musicians involved for making this possible."

Isis Music Hall, located at 743 Haywood Road in West Asheville, prides itself on a high quality audio experience. Isis is renowned for its dinner service, which begins at 5pm each evening. Diners may come any time before the show begins. This show will be both standing and seated. Tickets are available at:

http://isisasheville.com/events/tribute-to-dr-bob-erik-norlanders-galactic-collective/

www.eriknorlander.com
www.toubabkrewe.com
www.bobmoogfoundation.org

Video Link: Toubab Krewe's Connection to Bob Moog"


Uploaded on Nov 2, 2010 moogfoundation·98 videos

"VOICES: Toubab Krewe's One-of-a-Kind Connection to Bob Moog through the Network of Creativity

"They are such damn good musicians that I just wish I could dance with Ileana to their music"

-- Bob Moog speaking about Toubab Krewe in the month before his passing

On August 21, 2005, Bob Moog succumbed to an aggressive brain tumor. His passing touched legions of people around the world.

In the month prior to his passing, Bob discovered the music of Toubab Krewe, an new, local african/rock fusion band who was, at the time, managed by Bob's longtime friend Steven Heller. One sleepless night he listened to their new self-titled CD over and over again, and was deeply moved by the quality of the musicianship. This beautiful video explores the reach of the Moog Legacy as it has touched Toubab Krewe and as it is manifested in the Bob Moog Foundation.

We owe a huge thanks to many people who helped make this video a reality. The video was shot in the studio of world-class Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina. The owner, Steve Wilhelm and their manager, Jessica Tomilson, continue to be a wonderfully supportive to the Foundation's mission. The exceptional filmmaking team that donated their services to make this video a possibility was a collaboration between David Bragg of Flying Pigs Studio and the late Margaret Lauzon of Studio South, among other local talents."

Bob Moog Foundation Announces Feast for the Future - May 23

"'Feast for the Future' to Support Bob Moog Foundation on Synthesizer Pioneer’s Birthday
Local restaurants to donate proceeds benefiting Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool

April 29, 2013, Asheville, NC -- Eleven local restaurants in the Asheville community are coming together for Feast for the Future, a fundraiser to support local non-profit, the Bob Moog Foundation. Feast for the Future takes place on May 23rd, what would have been the 79th birthday of the Foundation’s namesake, Bob Moog. In honor of this special occasion Early Girl Eatery, Moe’s Original BBQ, Wicked Weed, Chestnut, Laughing Seed Café, Jack of the Wood, Chai Pani, MG Road, Bouchon, Salsa’s, and The Local Joint, will be donating a portion of their sales from the day to the Bob Moog Foundation. This event is being sponsored by the Mountain Xpress and Asheville Radio Group’s 98.1 the River. More information on the event, including information about participating restaurants, can be found at www.bobmoogfoundation.org.

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, states, “What began as a one restaurant event last year has blossomed to encompass eleven local restaurants. We are so grateful to the culinary community in Asheville as they support our efforts to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers. We look forward to growing Feast for the Future every year and to growing Dr. Bob's SoundSchool to hundreds of schools in Western North Carolina in the coming years".

Proceeds from the event will benefit the expansion of Dr. Bob’s Sound School, the Foundation’s STEAM (science, technology, education, art, math) -based educational initiative that teaches second grade children the science of sound through the magic of music. Using electronic musical and acoustic instruments, as well as oscilloscopes and custom teaching materials, the innovative program engages children in the basic physics of sound through the parameters of Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy in electronic music. Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool recently completed its pilot year with resounding success, and is currently in 32 classrooms reaching over 600 students in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools. The Foundation aims to expand the program regionally and nationally in the next three to five years.

Julie Stehnling, owner of Early Girl Eatery, reflects on her experience last year as the sole participant in Bob’s Birthday Salute, “Early Girl is so proud to be part of Feast for the Future. Last year our staff and our guests had a blast celebrating Bob's birthday. Remembering Bob as a kind man who was one of our own and also celebrating him as a visionary of our times is an honor all in Asheville are lucky to have. Both my children and I are inspired by the Bob Moog Foundation's Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool curriculum. Preserving Bob's genius and working to inspire more folks both locally and nationally is work we are so happy to support.”

The Bob Moog Foundation honors the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog through its mission of igniting the innovative and creative spirit through the intersection of music, science, history, and innovation. Dr. Moog was a resident of Asheville for 25 years before his passing in 2005.

(http://www.bobmoogfoundation.org)
(http://981theriver.com)
(www.mountainx.com)
(http://earlygirleatery.com/)
(http://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/locations/asheville.aspx)
(www.salsas-asheville.com/)
(www.wickedweedbrewing.com/)
(www.chestnutasheville.com/)
(http://ashevillebouchon.com/)
(http://www.jackofthewood.com/)
(http://laughingseed.jackofthewood.com/)
(http://chaipani.net/)
(http://mgroadlounge.com/)
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Local-Joint/175520499207682)

Be sure to see the Dr. Bob's SoundSchool - Inspired Progress video previously posted here.

Arturia Memorialises Moog’s Birthday with Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack Promotion

"GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is introducing a timely time- limited pricing promotion for its limited-edition Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack produced in collaboration with — and in aid of — The Bob Moog Foundation as a tribute to synthesizer pioneer Dr. Bob Moog who would have been 79 on May 23...

Arturia’s Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack pricing promotion starts on May 23 and runs for one week only. During this time, Moog fans, musicians, and producers worldwide wishing to pay tribute to the inventive individual responsible for singlehandedly revolutionising the sound of modern music production with his namesake 1965-patented Moog Ladder Filter design — which featured in the breakthrough voltage-controlled Moog modular synthesizer and its game-changing 1971-vintage compact MinimoogTM monosynth followup (for which Dr. Bob Moog was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office National Inventors Hall of Fame) — can purchase Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack from the Arturia website at a reduced rate of €129.00 EUR/$129.00 USD (instead of €249.00 EUR/$299.00 USD). As always, a percentage of the sales proceeds will be donated by Arturia to The Bob Moog Foundation. In turn, this supports the dream of building the MoogseumTM (Bob Moog Museum), the convergence of The Bob Moog Foundation’s goals of inspiring and educating people through electronic music.

Moog fans, musicians, and producers will take delight in the beautifully produced and carefully curated package that is Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack on many levels — be it factual, historical, and, of course, musical. First up, the latest versions of two award-winning soft synths from Arturia successfully showcase the company’s ear-opening TAE® (True Analog Emulation) synthesis technology: Mini V 2.5.4 meticulously models the distinctive tones and analogue nuances of the legendary MinimoogTM Model D monosynth; after all, Dr. Bob Moog changed the musical world with the MinimoogTM and Arturia helped change the music software world with the Mini V! Similarly, Modular V 2.6.3 gives Dr. Bob Moog’s monstrous Moog modular synthesizer concept a software makeover fit for 21st Century composition and recording workflow — virtual analogue nirvana, indeed! (The use of trademarks is only meant as a reference to clarify the instruments whose sound was modelled and does not imply any endorsement.)

But that’s not all: the included Moog DVD documentary film by Hans Fjellestad — Best Documentary award winner at the Barcelona Inedit Film Festival — takes viewers on a compelling journey inside the imaginative mind of its illustrious namesake, alongside admiring interviews with and performances from the likes of DJ Spooky, Keith Emerson, Money Mark, Stereolab, and Rick Wakeman. Curated and prefaced by Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director at The Bob Moog Foundation, the limited-edition From Bob Moog’s Private Archives book fascinatingly features never-before-seen photographs and rare documents from the archives of Dr. Bob Moog himself.

And last, but by no means least, the official Bob Moog Foundation button badge is a great way of showing support for The Bob Moog Foundation by buying Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack — wear it with pride! So let’s collectively celebrate a legacy in honour of Dr. Bob Moog’s 79th birthday and help inspire the future.

The Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack pricing promotion runs for one week from May 23 during which it can be bought from the Arturia online store (http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/online-shop.html) for the reduced rate of €129.00 EUR/$129.00 USD (returning to €249.00 EUR/$299.00 USD thereafter)."

Erik Norlander and Galactic Collective Help Celebrate Bob Moog's Birthday

You saw the videos posted here and here, as well as the announcement here and the rare Moog Apollo prototype & modular system.  The following are some official pics of the event and the press release from The Bob Moog Foundation.

"Asheville, NC - May 2014... Synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's upcoming 80th birthday was commemorated in grand fashion on May 8th with a "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert by virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his band The Galactic Collective to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

The concert, held at Asheville's Isis Music Hall, featured Norlander, accompanied by bandmates Jeff Kollman on guitar, Mark Matthews on bass, and Nick Le Par on drums. Norlander's onstage rig included three very special, fully restored vintage synthesizers from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, including a 1967 Moog modular, an early Minimoog Model D, and an extremely rare Moog Apollo.

"The convergence of the Moog modular, the Minimoog, and the Moog Apollo in one performance is nearly unprecedented," notes Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "Not since Keith Emerson toured with a prototype Apollo in the early '70s have they been heard together in live performance, making this "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert a truly historic occasion."

The 1967 R. A. Moog Co. modular is an iconic synthesizer on permanent loan from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was built for the first electronic music studio in the state, and hand delivered by Bob Moog.

The 1973 Minimoog was donated to the Foundation by Asheville composer and arranger Tom Coppola, who used it to record the signature three-note "Duracell sound", among many other commercial and musical applications. The Minimoog was the first mass-produced commercially available synthesizer that the working musician could afford. It is considered by many to be the most iconic synthesizer of all times.

Norlander used the Foundation's Minimoog and modular for giant bass sweeps and drones, adding weight and atmosphere to his tracks, "Arrival," "Sky Full of Stars" and "The Dark Water."

The priceless Moog Apollo is one of the few of its kind in the world. This 1973 instrument, newly and fully restored by the Bob Moog Foundation, served as a prototype for the production model Polymoog. The Apollo is one of the earliest polyphonic synths, synthesizers that could play more than one note at a time.

Norlander brought the Apollo alive in a stunning solo during his signature piece, "Dreamcurrents," using the harpsichord program to conjure the early days of polysynth performance art with classic, vintage tones. He reprised the harpsichord again in the waltz section of "After the Revolution," normally played on acoustic piano. Norlander later employed famous "Vox Humana" program in his bombastic choral opening of "Neurosaur" and used the Apollo soft analog brass sound for his gentler introductory theme on "Fanfare for Absent Friends."

"Bob Moog brought a new voice to the musical landscape, and our musical vernacular would be very different without his enduring contribution," Norlander remarked. "The name 'Moog' is synonymous with art, science and innovation, and as a keyboardist and synthesist, I can think of no greater tribute than using Bob's timeless inventions as the core instruments in my own craft."

Drew Heller, guitarist for the African fusion band Toubab Krewe, opened the show for the Galactic Collective, joined by his father, Grammy award winning producer/composer Steven Heller. Bob Moog had a close musical relationship with Toubab Krewe; Steven Heller was long-time friend and musical collaborator. Their acoustic set was marked by stories about Moog's generosity, fearless pursuit of the unknown, and his sense of humor."

MOTU Releases The Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank

via The Bob Moog Foundation:

"Cambridge, MA - May 19, 2015...

MOTU and the Bob Moog Foundation announce the release of the Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank, a new and exciting collection of instrument and percussion sounds produced in commemoration of Bob Moog's 81st Birthday, coming up on May 23rd. In a charitable effort to raise funds for the foundation, over twenty legendary synthesists and renowned sound designers donated original samples to assist with the creation of the sound library, which offers over 2 GB of material. Now available for purchase from the MOTU website (www.motu.com/moog-encore), the library is fully compatible with any host software on Mac or Windows that supports virtual instruments, including popular DAW software such as Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools, Cockos Reaper, and MOTU Digital Performer. All proceeds from the sale of the Encore Soundbank will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

The library ships in the form of a UVI soundbank that can be loaded into the cross-platform, universally compatible UVI Workstation virtual instrument player, available for free download from uvi.net. The library can also be loaded into MOTU's MachFive 3 sampler for side-by-side integration with other MachFive-compatible soundbanks. Most of the 200+ Encore Soundbank presets are scripted to include vintage Moog-style filter and envelope controls.

MOTU is proud to support the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog and the Bob Moog Foundation's educational and historic preservation work through the funding generated by the sales of the Encore Soundbank. The following artists generously contributed to this project: Vince Clark, Al Kooper, Jordan Rudess, Suzanne Ciani, Larry Fast, Tangerine Dream (Edgar Froese / Thorsten Quaeschning), Goldfrapp (Will Gregory), Kevin Antunes, Adam Holzman, Erik Norlander, Peter Gorges, Amin Bhatia, CJ Vanston, Drew Neumann, Kevin Lamb, Dave Spiers, Jack Hotop, Jerry Kovarsky, Kent Spong, Klaus Peter Rausch, Taiho Yamada, Michael Koehler, Chris Cox, 'Magic' Dave Roberts, Marty Cutler, Marc Doty and I Monster (Dean Honer / Jerrod Gosling).

The soundbank is released in special remembrance of Edgar Froese, who enthusiastically donated sounds for the project, but passed away suddenly on January 20, 2015. His contribution to the Encore Soundbank was one of his last musical endeavors. We are deeply grateful for his generous contribution to this project. He is greatly missed.

Sounds included in the library were created using classic instruments including various Moog modulars and Minimoogs, Buchla modular, EMS Synthi A and VCS3, Yamaha CS-80, Alesis Andromeda, Sequential Circuits Prophets, Hammond B3 organ, classic Korg synths, rare Russian Polivoks, multiple theremins and effects pedals, a rare and exotic Ondioline, and an extremely rare Moog Apollo, plus much more.*

'Bob Moog's legacy touches each and every one of us every day,' said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. 'Here at MOTU, we were inspired by the milestone of his 81st birthday, to pay tribute to his lasting effect on music. What better way than with kids, and supporting the work of the Bob Moog Foundation to educate and inspire them through his life's work.'

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, notes, 'The Foundation is tremendously grateful to MOTU and the contributing artists who have made the Encore Soundbank an extraordinary resource for musicians across genres. The funding generated from this product will allow us to expand our educational project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and to inspire even more children through the intersection of science, music, and technology.'

The Bob Moog Foundation Encore Soundbank is now available for purchase from the MOTU web site for $99 (www.motu.com/moog-encore). All proceeds will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation.

MOTU and the Bob Moog Foundation would like to extend special thanks and recognition to Erik Norlander, Arnaud Sicard, and the team at uvi.net for their invaluable assistance in producing this project, as well as to producer Nate Donmoyer who created the audio samples for the product."

City of Asheville Proclaims May 23rd Bob Moog Day

"Moog Music is pleased to announce that Mayor Terry Bellamy has issued an official proclamation declaring May 23rd to be Bob Moog Day in the city of Asheville. The proclamation highlights many of Dr. Moog’s achievements, including the significant economic impact the company he founded has had on the greater Asheville area. Bob Moog, the founder of Moog Music and inventor of the legendary Moog synthesizer, made Asheville the home of his family and his company in 1978 and lived and worked here until his death in 2005. May 23rd would have been Dr. Moog’s 79th birthday.

To celebrate this historic occasion, Moog Music is donating over $25,000 in instruments to Asheville City Schools. Said Mike Adams, Moog Music President, “As a product of the Asheville City School System, I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to give back to our schools, young people and the community. I hope that the Moog instruments we donate will inspire kids toward creative expression through the exploration of music. Who knows, maybe one of them is the next Bob Moog or Stevie Wonder!”

Moog employees will also be conducting clinics and instrument demonstrations at each Asheville City School over the next few months. Moog Music staff, some of whom attended Asheville City Schools, are grateful to be continuing Dr. Moog’s work and to be a small part of his enduring legacy. Thanks to Dr. Moog, Moog Music is driven by a company culture that lives at the intersection of technology and music. This culture will also be celebrated at Moogfest, April 25-27, 2014. Moogfest is the company’s multi-day festival in honor of the innovative spirit of Bob Moog, who was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame earlier this month."

Happy Birthday Keith Emerson!

Today is Keith Emerson's birthday!

He, along with Wendy Carlos, are two of the most important musicians in the world of synthesizers. They are both credited with introducing the use of synthesizers in mainstream music. Wendy brought synthesizers to classical music, and Keith brought synthesizers to band based Rock 'n' Roll. They were the first to bring synthesizers from the realm of the experimental, musique concrete, and educational applications to the main stream.

Keith Emerson's Moog modular is iconic. Not only does Keith still perform with it, but it inspired Moog Music to re-issue the awe inspiring monolith.

Thank you Keith, and Happy Birthday!!!

Left: Keith in St. Petersburg, Russia 2008 via wikipedia.

Below: Keith back in the day via @moogfest.

via wikipedia: "Emerson first heard a Moog when a record shop owner played Switched-On Bach for him. Emerson said: 'My God that's incredible, what is that played on?' The owner then showed him the album cover. So I said, 'What is that?' And he said, 'That's the Moog synthesizer.' My first impression was that it looked a bit like electronic skiffle.'[8]

Without one of his own, Emerson borrowed Mike Vickers' Moog for an upcoming The Nice concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London with the Royal Philharmonic. Mike helped patch the Moog and the concert was a great success. Emerson's performance of Also sprach Zarathustra from the recently released 2001: A Space Odyssey was a show stopper. Emerson: 'I thought this was great. I've got to have one of these.'[8]

With ELP's record deal with Atlantic came funds to buy the Moog. Keith: 'It cost a lot of money and it arrived and I excitedly got it out of the box stuck it on the table and thought, 'Wow That's Great! a Moog synthesizer [pause] How do you switch it on?...There were all these leads and stuff, there was no instruction manual.' Mike Vickers came through by patching it to produce six sounds and those six sounds became the foundation of ELP's sound.[8]

In 1969, Emerson incorporated the Moog modular synthesiser into his battery of keyboards. While other artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had used the Moog in studio recordings, Emerson was the first artist to tour with one. Emerson's use of the Moog was so important to the development of new models that he was given prototypes, such as the Constellation he took on one tour[8] and the Apollo, which had its debut on the opening track of Brain Salad Surgery, 'Jerusalem.'"

Rare R.A. Minimoog Featured in Music America Exhibit & Signed Moog Source Giveaway

via The Bob Moog Foundation

Left: Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, poses for a picture with Bob Santelli, Executive Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music alongside Herb Deutsch's R.A. Moog Minimoog at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas.

"The Bob Moog Foundation's Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, and Board of Advisors member Francis Preve recently attended the opening of the Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History exhibit at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas to celebrate the inclusion of a rare R.A. Moog Minimoog from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

The R.A. Moog Minimoog, which belonged to electronic music pioneer Herb Deutsch, is serial number 1094 and is one of only 210 R.A. Moog Minimoogs to have been manufactured. The synthesizer was given to Herb by Bob Moog in 1971.

The rare Minimoog synthesizer was chosen to represent Bob Moog's indelible legacy as someone who created instruments that revolutionized the face of music by bringing a brand new palette of sounds to the performing musician, as well as honor Herb Deutsch for the significant role he played in the development of synthesizers and electronic music.

Other objects in the exhibit include: Thomas Edison's wax cylinders, Jimi Hendrix's guitar, Janis Joplin's pants and letters, Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet, Arlo Gurthrie's hand-written song lyrics, and much more.

The exhibit will be at the LBJ Presidential Library from now until August 11, 2024. It will then travel to four other presidential libraries over a two-year period."

And the raffle:

"We are excited to announce that thanks to IK Multimedia, everyone who purchases a ticket for our Moog Source raffle will receive a download code for the Syntronik 2 Sorcerer!

Normally priced at $49, the Syntronik 2 Sorcerer is a virtual synthesizer built by Erik Norlander using the exact Moog Source being raffled. Following the end of the raffle on February 26th, all ticket purchasers will receive an email with download instructions.

The Source, serial number 3948, is an excellent condition vintage synthesizer signed by Bob Moog. It features rich sound quality and a technical lineage rooted in the legendary Minimoog. The Source is lauded for its sequencers, sample and hold, arpeggiator, presets, unique data wheel, and patch memory storage. The synthesizer features a mylar touch control panel, single-knob functionality, and the trademark Moog sound.

THE RAFFLE ENDS IN ONE WEEK!
Tickets for the raffle are $20 each, 6 for $100, 14 for $200, and 40 for $500. The raffle is open internationally.

As an added bonus for this raffle only, get a free 2024 Bob Moog - His Life and Work 90th Birthday Commemorative Calendar when you purchase a bundle of 6, 14, or 40 tickets. This offer is valid until the limited quantity of calendars runs out. This offer does not apply to the purchase of individual tickets."

Moog Celebrates Leon Theremin on 115th Birthday

In case you didn't know it, today would have been Leon Theremin's (Lev Sergeyevich Termen) 115th birthday. He of course brought us the theremin which Bob Moog built as kits when he was younger with his father, and that led to Bob Moog building synthesizers.

via Wikipedia: "In 1953 at age 19, Moog founded his first company, R.A. Moog Co., to manufacture theremin kits. During the 1950s, composer and electronic music pioneer Raymond Scott approached Moog, asking him to design circuits for him. Moog later acknowledged Scott as an important influence. Later, in the 1960s, the company was employed to build modular synthesizers based on Moog's designs..."

And via Moog Music where you'll find the full post:

"Today marks the 116th birthday of Russian physicist Leon Theremin, inventor of the musical instrument that bears his name and inspiration to Bob Moog.

Born Lev Sergeivich Teremen, Leon Theremin had an unusual educational background, holding both a degree in physics and a degree in cello performance, it was this unique combination of skills that was the impetus for the invention of the Theremin. The Theremin was born in a scientific laboratory. Leon was working with a device that measured the density of gas and had modified it to not only give a visual readout of the value, but an auditory representation as well. The device would emit a tone that would change pitch as the gas density changed, and Theremin discovered that his body’s proximity to the device would interfere and affect the tone. Using the control learned as a cello player Theremin managed to play a simple tune with the device and based on the delight of his coworkers, decided to develop it into a full-fledged instrument..."

Bob Moog Google Doodle Demonstration: How to use it!

YouTube Published on May 22, 2012 by AutomaticGainsay

"Contribute to the Bob Moog Foundation! http://www.moogfoundation.org

Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the new Bob Moog Google Doodle released on Bob Moog's birthday to celebrate his legacy!
I only had a short time to throw this together, for obvious reasons... so please forgive my haste!
Thank you to Bob Moog for changing my life, as well as bringing an incredible form of musical expression into the world."

Update: the Moog Doodle Quick Start Guide and the inside story on Mashable.

"When Google’s Chief Doodler Ryan Germick and Google Engineer Joey Hurst decided they wanted to build the Google Moog Synthesizer Doodle, it was to 'Pay tribute to someone who was like a patron saint of the nerdy arts,' said Germick.

Germick told Mashable that he was a huge Robert Moog fan. Moog, who died in 2005 and would have been 78 today, developed what is widely recognized as the first commercial synthesizer. Previous versions were the size of closets. Germick called him 'a passionate toolmaker.'

Hurst and Germick collaborated on last year’s playable Les Paul guitar Google Doodle, but it was Germick who brought this project to Hurst — who actually celebrated his birthday one day before Moog’s — as a kind of a challenge. 'Joey is an amazing engineer and I love to come up with a way to stump him,' explained Germick.

The concept was to recreate the Mini Moog Analog Synthesizer in a Web browser. Germick thought there was no way it could be done. Hurst, who knew someone who owned an original Moog, was instantly excited by the project..."

See Mashable for the full story.