Oral history of John Chowning, inventor of FM synthesis [video]

John Chowning is a renowned computer scientist and inventor, best known for developing the FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis algorithm. Born in 1934 in the United States, Chowning received his Ph.D. in music theory from the University of California, Berkeley. He then joined Stanford University's Computer Science Department, where he developed the FM synthesis algorithm in the 1970s. The algorithm uses frequency modulation to generate sound, allowing for the creation of complex and rich timbres. Chowning's invention had a significant impact on the development of digital audio technology, and he is widely recognized as one of the pioneers in the field. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and computer science, including a National Academy of Engineering's Draper Prize.