Died On This Date (January 29, 2011) Milton Babbitt / Electronic Music Pioneer

Milton Babbitt
May 10, 1916 – January 29, 2011

Milton Babbitt was an American composer who helped develop the world’s first synthesizer during the 1950s.  Babbitt was just 4 years old when he took up the violin, and within a few years he branched out to the saxophone and clarinet.  He was arranging songs by the time he was 7, and winning songwriting contests by 13.  In college, Babbitt received honors for his studies in both music and mathematics.  After the development of RCA’s Mark II synthesizer, Babbitt devoted his time and energy to making electronic music, often combining synthesizer and conventional instruments.  Milton Babbitt passed away on January 29, 2011.  He was 94.

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Milton Babbitt: Occasional Variations - Milton Babbitt

Died On This Date (January 29, 2011) Sterling Belcher / Bluegrass Festival Founder

Sterling Belcher
June 14, 1939 – January 29, 2011

Sterling Belcher was a music promoter who founded the Festival of The Pines in Rocky Point, Virginia in 1981.  A tireless lover of bluegrass music, Belcher brought such acts as Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent to the sleepy surroundings of Tripple Creek Music Campground throughout the years.  He regularly received recognition for his commitment to bluegrass music from local, regional and national music associations.  Sterling Belcher was 71 when he passed away on January 29, 2011.

Died On This Date (January 29, 2011) Bruce Jackson / Longtime Concert Sound Engineer For Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Jackson
DOB Unknown – January 29, 2011

Bruce Jackson was a sound engineer who helped Bruce Springsteen create his storied concert experiences as his concert sound engineer for over ten years.  Jackson started with Springsteen during his historic Darkness On The Edge Of Town tour of 1978 and stayed on board through 1987’s Tunnel Of Love  Express tour.   And if that weren’t impressive enough, Jackson also worked with the likes of Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and Barbra Streisand over the years.  He was also an experienced pilot.  On January 29, 2011, Bruce Jackson was killed when the plane he was flying crashed in Southern California.