Gershon Kingsley was a pioneering figure in the world of electronic music, whose innovative work has influenced genres from pop to classical. Born Goetz Gustav Ksinski on October 28, 1922, in Bochum, Germany, he fled Nazi persecution in 1938, eventually settling in the United States. With a background in traditional composition and a passion for new technology, Kingsley became one of the first musicians to embrace the Moog synthesizer, an instrument that would revolutionize the sound of modern music.

Throughout his career, Kingsley's explorations into synthesized music brought forth a range of groundbreaking albums. His 1969 hit "Pop Corn" is one of the most iconic early electronic tracks, showcasing the quirky yet catchy potential of the Moog. Beyond just popular music, Kingsley also sought to incorporate electronic sounds into more formal compositions, reflected in works like "Switched-On Gershwin," which reimagined Gershwin classics through electronic instrumentation, and the ambitious "God Is A Moog," where he delved into spiritual themes using the synthesizer. Kingsley's adventurous collaborations led to the formation of the First Moog Quartet, whose eponymous album was remastered in 2019, affirming the lasting impact of his early electronic experiments. He was also known for his work that interpreted the sounds of the American experience as captured in "The Sounds of Early America" and his unique projects such as "Kingsley: Voices From the Shadow / Jazz Psalms / Shabbat for Today" which intertwined his Jewish heritage with his musical prowess. Gershon Kingsley passed away on December 10, 2019, leaving a legacy of innovation and a clear path for future electronic music explorers.

Genres

Moog

Synthesizer

Latest Release

Crash! Bang! Crunch & Pow! : The Sounds of The City

Gershon Kingsley

Single - Released October 16, 2020