Herb Deutsch, the co-inventor of the revolutionary Moog synthesizer, has died at the age of 90.
Deutsch was a seminal figure in music technology during the '60s and '70s. In 1964, he teamed up with Bob Moog to develop what eventually evolved into the first-ever Moog synthesizer. Deutsch's work in the project was primarily on the keyboard interface's design.
The goal for the Moog was to be a "small and affordable music synthesizer" that wouldn't limit its accessibility for those who wish to create with it because of a hefty price tag.
"People have accused me of modesty, but actually I think that someone else would have been int he same place and gotten to a similar point within a short time," Deutsche said in an early-aughts interview with Moog. "It was a direction that fit into the history of technology and its inevitable link with the arts."
Scroll to ContinueRecommended Articles
NEWSMoog Synthesizer Co-Inventor and Educator, Herb Deutsch, Dead at 90
Herb Deutsch and Bob Moog changed the face of synthesizers forever.
By Lennon CihakDec 17, 2022
MUSIC RELEASESKasablanca Release Capstone Single, "Crucible" After Breakthrough Year
Kasablanca now turn their attention to their debut headlining tour in the upcoming year.
By Cameron SunkelDec 17, 2022
NEWSBoys Noize Confirms New Dog Blood Track With Skrillex "Very Soon"
In a recent interview with CULTR, Boys Noize revealed that him and Skrillex will be releasing a new single "very soon."
By Mikala LugenDec 16, 2022
Deutsch was also a lifelong educator and composer, frequently teaching people about Moog synths and how they operate. He taught at New York's Hofstra University for more than 50 years and he was also the chair of the college's music department.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Deutsch's influential work changed the trajectory of synthesizers and music technology as we know it. His indelible contributions will continue to inspire sonic explorers and creators around the world.
"There is nobody more important to Moog legacy than Herb Deutsch," the Bob Moog Foundation wrote in an Instagram post. "His deep creativity, curiosity, intelligence, and pursuit of musical frontiers prompted Bob Moog to design the first Moog synthesizer with Herb's invaluable guidance and collaboration. As the prototype evolved into larger modular systems, Herb and Bob worked together to promote this revolutionary instrument, with Herb composing and performing on them and teaching about them at seminars and in his classroom."
The team at EDM.com expresses our sincere condolences to the family, fans, friends and loved ones of Herb Deutsch.
Tagsterms:DeathMoogHerb DeutschSynthesizers
By Lennon Cihak
Lennon is a music journalist who has contributed to EDM.com for over five years. A seasoned music business reporter, his writings bridge the gap between education and technology through a musical lens. He is also the host of the music business podcast When Life Hands You Lennons and founder of his own electronic music website, EDM In A Soda.
Sign up for our