iamsexy:

This is Michael J. Gibson. In 1952 he died of testicular cancer at the age of 45. 

In his lifetime he completely revolutionised the music industry by not only inventing the electric guitar, but the first incarnation of the modern synthesizer (you can hear it on some early Elvis records.)

He also founded the world’s earliest record label. At least the earliest of the kind we still see today. Maverick Records signed many of the earliest pioneers of rock n’ roll. Elvis, Buddy Guy, Johnny Cash, even The Beatles were originally on this label. 

Unfortunately Gibson died tragically before he could see the fruits of his labour. He died on January 16th 1952. Sixty years ago today.

Today, his “uncurable” cancer would have been totally curable. Imagine what this man could have done with a few extra decades of life. 

This is for you, Michael Gibson. Thank you. Thank you for the music.

Such an amazing man, our music tutor mentioned him a couple of times and he was completely astounded by the things he’d accomplished. Such a shame he passed on so young.