Maybe I have the actual playing time of his composition wrong. He's very much the programmer (among other accomplishments) and is quite brilliant. In fact, he does a lot of work for our gubmint and for NASA (has a level 5 security clearance). He's also at the top of Apple's list of instructors for Final Cut Pro and other utilities ... that's how we found out about him.
If he's not well into his 60's it is doubtful he was a pioneer. Possible, but not probable.
I had a much higher security clearance and it doesn't make diddlypoo to my brilliance. ;-)
I grant his story is possible.
Definitely in his 60s. I know a security clearance doesn't mean brilliance, but the work he does for govt and NASA sounds pretty impressive.