Robert Moog
Inventor of the Moog synthesizer
- Lived
- 71 yrs
- 1934 – 2005
- Works listed
- 2
- Instrument
- Honours
- 1
- Most recent 2001
- Profile views
- 0
- 0 followers
Robert Moog was an American engineer who invented the first commercial modular synthesizer in 1964 and the portable Minimoog in 1970. His instruments shaped the sound of pop, rock and electronic music, from the Beatles to Kraftwerk. He died in 2005.
Biography
Theremins
Moog grew up in Queens and built theremins as a teenager, selling kits. He studied physics at Queens College and engineering at Columbia and earned a PhD in engineering physics at Cornell.
The synthesizer
In 1964 he introduced voltage-controlled modules that could be connected with patch cords to shape sound. Wendy Carlos’s 1968 album Switched-On Bach made the Moog famous.
Minimoog
The Minimoog (1970) put a synthesizer in a portable keyboard, used by musicians from Stevie Wonder to Kraftwerk.
Later
He lost his company and his name in the 1970s, later regained the Moog brand and made Moogerfooger effects. He died in 2005.
Timeline
-
1934
Born in New York City, United States
-
1953
Sells theremin kits
-
1964
First Moog synthesizer
-
1968
Switched-On Bach
-
1970
Minimoog
-
1978
Leaves Moog Music
-
2002
Regains the Moog name
-
2005
Dies
-
2005
Died, aged 71
Notable works
-
1964
Moog synthesizer Instrument
-
1970
Minimoog Instrument
Awards and honours
-
Polar Music Prize
2001
Did you know?
-
1
His surname rhymes with “vogue”.
-
2
The Beatles used a Moog on Abbey Road.
-
3
A Moog festival, Moogfest, is held in his honour.
Connections
Frequently asked
Who is Robert Moog?
Robert Moog was an American engineer who invented the first commercial modular synthesizer in 1964 and the portable Minimoog in 1970. His instruments shaped the sound of pop, rock and electronic music, from the Beatles to Kraftwerk. He died in 2005.
When did Robert Moog die?
Robert Moog died on 21 August 2005 at the age of 71.
Where is Robert Moog from?
Robert Moog was born in New York City, United States.
What is Robert Moog known for?
Robert Moog is best known for Moog modular synthesizer (1964); Minimoog (1970); Moog Music.
What awards has Robert Moog received?
Notable honours include Polar Music Prize (2001).
References
- Robert Moog — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Robert Moog — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Robert Moog — IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Robert Moog (Q200883) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Robert Moog”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 4 November 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Robert Moog.” TrackFame, last updated 4 November 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/robert-moog
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