The inventor of the microchip has passed away. Jack St. Clair Kilby created the miniature device that allows you to read this post and many other fascinating things on da Internetz. The microchip’s impact on music-making, of course, is incalculably monumental. In the grand scheme of things musical, Kilby is ultimately more important than the Beatles, Kraftwerk, James Brown, Fela Kuti, and 20 more of your favorite pioneers/innovators combined.* Much respect is due.

* I exaggerate, but only slightly.