The Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Musical Satirist Stan Freberg

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stan Freberg, whose career spanned TV, radio and records passed away this week at the age of 88. Freberg's son and daughter, Donavan and Donna Freberg confirmed that their father had died of natural causes at a Santa Monica hospital.

Yesterday, The Recording Academy issued the following statement on his passing:

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

GRAMMY® recipient Stan Freberg was an acclaimed humorist/satirist and a pioneering figure in both the entertainment and advertising industries. Considered one of the true geniuses in American advertising, he was one of the first to use satire in commercials and ultimately came to be known as 'the father of the funny commercial.' A multifaceted artist and creator, he was a renaissance man who was able to successfully cross over between show business and the advertising industry, working on everything from comedy records, to Broadway, to cartoon voiceovers to commercial jingles and beyond, garnering an impressive 21 Clio Awards - the advertising industry's top honor - along the way.

Additionally, his involvement and service in The Recording Academy proved to be invaluable to our organization's early success. Our creative community has lost an influential and dynamic artist, and his remarkable legacy will forever be cemented in history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who have been enriched by his exceptional work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy