Audio recording visionary Ray Dolby has passed away from leukemia at the age of 80. Dolby, who co-invented video tape recording and founded Dolby Laboratories, leaves behind one of the most important legacies in audio history.

Comparable to the contributions of the legendary Les Paul, the inventions and business endeavors of Ray Dolby are of the highest tier. Dolby held over 50 U.S. patents and earned two Academy Awards, a Grammy Award, a boatload of Emmys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, various honorary doctorates and was even named an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Ray Dolby's greatest contribution to the world of music was perhaps the Dolby noise-reduction system. 'Dolby A,' which was made available in 1966, was the world's first professional broadband noise reduction system for recording studios, but better known is the Dolby B system, which was introduced in 1968. Dolby is also credited for enhancing the immersive movie theater experience with his sound technology, which greatly affected the quality of films such as 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Star Wars.' At the time of his death, Dolby was estimated to be worth $2.4 billion.

Unfortunately, health issues plagued Ray Dolby during his final years, suffering from Alzheimer's disease along with leukemia, the latter of which he was diagnosed with this Summer.

Dolby Laboratories created a heartfelt video tribute to Ray, which can be seen below. Thank you for all your great work, Mr. Dolby. Rest in Peace.

Ray Dolby Video Tribute

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