Pioneering electronic music composer and performer who created iconic scores for films like "A Clockwork Orange" and "Tron", pushing the boundaries of synthesizer music.
Wendy Carlos is an American musician and composer who revolutionized the music world with her innovative use of electronic music and synthesizers. She is best known for her iconic album Switched-On Bach, which won her three Grammy Awards and catapulted her to fame in 1968.
Born Walter Carlos on November 14, 1939, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Carlos began her musical journey at a young age. She started piano lessons at six and wrote her first composition, "A Trio for Clarinet, Accordion, and Piano," at just ten years old. Carlos's parents encouraged her musical pursuits, and she went on to attend St. Raphael Academy, a Catholic high school in Pawtucket.
After studying physics and music at Brown University, Carlos moved to New York City in 1962 to pursue a career in music composition at Columbia University. It was during this time that she became involved with the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, where she worked with electronic musicians and technicians to develop the Moog synthesizer. This collaboration led to the creation of Switched-On Bach, an album of Johann Sebastian Bach's music performed entirely on a Moog synthesizer.
The album's commercial success was unprecedented, selling over one million copies and earning Carlos three Grammy Awards. This triumph not only established Carlos as a pioneer in electronic music but also popularized the use of synthesizers in the 1970s.
Carlos's success with Switched-On Bach led to opportunities in film scoring, and she went on to compose music for two Stanley Kubrick films, A Clockwork Orange (1971) and The Shining (1980). She also scored the soundtrack for Walt Disney Productions' Tron (1982).
In addition to her film work, Carlos continued to explore experimental and ambient music, releasing several albums that showcased her innovative use of synthesizers and electronic techniques.
In 1979, Carlos publicly disclosed that she had been living as a woman since at least 1968 and had undergone sex reassignment surgery in 1972. This brave move helped raise public awareness of transgender issues and cemented Carlos's status as a trailblazer in more ways than one.
Despite much of Carlos's discography being out of print and unavailable on digital platforms, her influence on electronic music and classical music adaptations continues to be felt. Her pioneering work with synthesizers has inspired generations of musicians and composers, from Tangerine Dream to Daft Punk.
Wendy Carlos's legacy extends beyond her music, too. As a transgender woman, she has paved the way for greater understanding and acceptance of gender identity. Her courage and determination have made her an icon not only in the music world but also in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Wendy Carlos's groundbreaking work continues to inspire and influence musicians and composers today. Her fearless approach to electronic music and her unwavering advocacy for transgender rights have left an indelible mark on the music world and beyond.
97 Years Old
A pioneer of electronic and avant-garde music, this composer pushed boundaries with unconventional sounds and performances, influencing generations of musicians and artists.
92 Years Old
Creator of the iconic Moog synthesizer, revolutionizing music with electronic sounds and instruments. Known for shaping the sound of popular music and inspiring generations of musicians.
