Roland founder Ikutaro Kakehashi has died, Roland has confirmed. He was 87. Kakehashi was born in Osaka. He studied mechanical engineering and opened his own watch repair shop as a 16-year-old. He began releasing electronic instruments with Ace Electronic Industries, and in 1972, he founded the Roland Corporation. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of many synthesizers and drum machines including the iconic TR-808. The 808 became a vital tool in shaping the sound of hip-hop, pop, dance music, and much more.
In 2013, Kakehashi was awarded a Technical Grammy Award for his work in developing MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology. In addition to his career as an engineer and entrepreneur, Kakehashi authored several books, including a 2002 memoir and 2017’s An Age Without Samples: Originality and Creativity in the Digital World. Find tributes to Kakehashi from Roland developer Tommy Snyder, Hudson Mohawke, Yo La Tengo, and others below.
Also founder of Ace Tone. Thanks for all the good ideas, Kakehashi-san. https://t.co/u1zywBVqfK
— Yo La Tengo (@TheRealYLT) April 1, 2017
Imagine there'd never bn a 808 909 101 303 etc. Wud all b stuck listening to guitars. (How many can I offend) RIP Roland's Ikutaro Kakehashi
— Hudson Mohawke (@HudMo) April 1, 2017
A great loss to human culture, robot music and spiritual machines. Godspeed Mr. Kakehashi and thank you. https://t.co/cRa5HUVv1p
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) April 1, 2017
RIP Ikutaro Kakehashi of Roland. The man responsible for the 101, 303, 808, 909 and many other beloved machines we use to make our music.
— erol alkan (@erolalkan) April 1, 2017
via Michelle Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment