Bob Thompson's Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, Space Age Pop, Sound of Speed

Bob Thompson

Bob Thompson (1924-) has been called "an overlooked genius of American pop music." He is most famous for the Space Age Bachelor Pad records he created in the late 1950s. These one-of-a-kind discs feature a singular sound that evokes cocktail glasses, swingin' guys and gals, and all-night mischief. You might imagine "Austin Powers" or Hugh Hefner putting Bob Thompson records on their hi-fis. The albums include radically rehipped standards and daring originals—spiced up with purring girls, mad percussion, or propulsive Atomic Age sound effects. The hot legs, cocktails, and rocket ships make the Living Stereo LP covers stand out. Bob's career spanned 40 years and garnered a Grammy Nomination, with 100s of TV commercials plus stints as composer or arranger for Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Ruth Olay, and Judy Garland to name a few. Along the way he created Just for Kicks, On the Rocks, MMM Nice! and The Sound of Speed. Thanks for joining us and taking in the full measure of Bob's talent and love of music. You can also find the compilation The Sound of Style on iTunes.