Leon Theremin

Engineer

Birthday August 15, 1896

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Russia

DEATH DATE Nov 3, 1993 (97)

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About

Russian electrical engineer who invented the Theremin, one of first electronic musical instruments. He also invented several espionage devices for the Soviet Union including "The Thing," one of the first cover listening devices which became known as "bugs".

Before Fame

Growing up he played the cello and enjoyed studying electronics.

Trivia

He conducted the first-ever electronic orchestra, which featured the theremin and other electronic instruments including a "fingerboard" theremin.

Family Life

His family was of French and German descent.

Associated With

His Theremin was used in the soundtrack to the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still, which starred Patricia Neal.