Gershon Kingsley

Gershon Kingsley
Kingsley with a Moog synthesizer, 1970
Kingsley with a Moog synthesizer, 1970
Background information
Birth nameGötz Gustav Ksinski
Also known asGershon Kingsley
Born(1922-10-28)October 28, 1922
Bochum, Weimar Republic
DiedDecember 10, 2019(2019-12-10) (aged 97)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
GenresElectronic, classical, pop, sacred, crossover
Occupation(s)Composer, arranger, keyboardist, conductor
Instrument(s)Synthesizer, piano
Years active1954–2019

Gershon Kingsley (born Götz Gustav Ksinski; October 28, 1922 – December 10, 2019) was a German-American composer,[1] a pioneer of electronic music and the Moog synthesizer, a partner in the electronic music duo Perrey and Kingsley, founder of the First Moog Quartet, and writer of rock-inspired compositions for Jewish religious ceremonies.[2] Kingsley is most famous for his 1969 influential electronic instrumental composition "Popcorn".[1]

Kingsley conducted and arranged many Broadway musicals,[3] and he composed for film, television shows[4] and commercials.[5] His compositions were eclectic and vary between avant-garde and pop styles. Kingsley also composed classical chamber works, and his opera Raoul was premiered in Bremen, Germany in 2008.[6] His work was recognized with a Tony Award nomination for Best Conductor and Musical Director,[7] two Clio Awards for his work in advertising music, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bob Moog Foundation.[8] Kingsley died on December 10, 2019, at the age of 97 in Manhattan, New York.[9][10]

  1. ^ a b Graham, Dave (April 19, 2010). "Pop pioneer hails Germany despite Holocaust misery". Reuters. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  2. ^ Caramanica, Jon (August 21, 2005). "Funny, It Doesn't Sound Jewish – New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  3. ^ The Broadway League. "The official source for Broadway Information". IBDB. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  4. ^ "Gershon Kingsley". IMDb.
  5. ^ "Film Video TV". Gershonkingsley.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  6. ^ "Raoul". Operacompetition.hu. May 9, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  7. ^ "Tony Awards Database 1959". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  8. ^ Rodrigues, J. "Moog Music Announces "The Bob" Award Winners". WeImprovise!. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  9. ^ Newman, Melinda. "Gershon Kingsley, Moog Synthesizer Pioneer, Dies at 97". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  10. ^ Pareles, Jon (December 15, 2019). "Gershon Kingsley, Master of Electronic Sounds, Dies at 97". The New York Times. Retrieved December 28, 2019.