We’ve just received sad news via Korg USA:

Korg USA mourns the passing of company President Michael Kovins. Michael, who worked with the company for 26 years, served as Korg USA President for the last 14 of those years. A respected music industry figure, Michael was diagnosed with Leukemia nine years ago and fought the battle for his health with courage and dignity. On May 2, 2006, Michael passed away at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in Manhattan. The family is holding a private remembrance service and has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation in Michael’s memory be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He is survived by his wife Katherine.

Korg USA offices will close at 12:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, May 5, 2006, in observance of Michael’s passing.

Mr. Kovins’ time as president of Korg USA has been a new golden age of Korg’s instruments in the US, a part of many of our musical lives. On behalf of the Create Digital Music community, our condolences to Mr. Kovins’ family and friends.