The founder of Roland, Ikutaro Kakehashi, passed away over the weekend at the age of 87.
This sad news was revealed yesterday from a number of sources including Roland developer Tommy Snyder, who shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, writing:
“Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder of Roland, father of the TR-909,TR-808, Godfather of MIDI, and someone who I have collaborated with for 38 years, and also considered him as my 2nd father, passed away at the age of 87.
He was a super funny, wonderful and gifted human being, and his contributions to the musical instrument world, and music, touched millions of people worldwide.
RIP dear Taro.”
Kakehashi’s legend will live on through his creations, that including the TB-303 and TR-808, as well as the company he built that has become one of the leading outlets for music gear on a global scale.
Numerous members of the music world have taken to Twitter to pay their respects, including Hudson Mohawke, Vince Staples, Darude and The Black Madonna among others. See below:
Have a look at Roland’s exclusive, private museum right here to see some of the remarkable pieces of equipment they have developed over the years.
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