Yesterday afternoon, electronic instrument pioneer Robert Moog died at his home in Asheville, North Carolina. He had been diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme or GBM) in late April 2005. He had received both radiation treatment and chemotherapy to help combat the disease but ultimately succumbed to a brain tumor at the age of 71.

Moog, who had a doctorate in electrical engineering, invented the synthesizer which bore his name in 1963 and it was one of the first widely used electronic musical instruments. The trademark sound of his instruments could be heard on a variety of records from early Devo recordings to recent albums from Motion City Soundtrack.

Our deepest condolences go out to Robert's friends, family, employees and fans.