Robert Ashley | Artist

Robert Reynolds Ashley was an American contemporary composer born 1930 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was best known for his television operas and other theatrical works, many of which incorporate electronics and non-traditional techniques. Ashley studied modern composition at University of Michigan and The Manhattan School of Music. As a member of the Sonic Arts Union, he worked with other avant-garde musician such as David Behrman, Alvin Lucier and Gordon Mumma. In 1969 he became director of the San Francisco Tape Music Centerwhere he worked with Eliane Radigue. Ashley's second album, 1977's Private Parts which involved voice-over background music, is today regarded as a masterpiece. Other outstanding recordings include Automatic Writing ('79), Perfect Lives: Private Parts ('81) and the the two operas Dust (2000) and Crash (2016).

Artist Website: robertashley.org

Featured Albums: Robert Ashley

Related Artists: Sonic Arts Union, Eliane Radigue, Blue Gene Tyranny