Ikutaro Kakehashi, Japanese engineer and entrepreneur, Died at 87

Ikutaro Kakehashi was born on February 7, 1930, and died on April 1, 2017.

He was an engineer, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Ace Tone, Roland Corporation and ATV, Japanese manufacturers of electronic musical instruments.

He was known for his role in the development of Ace Tone and Roland drum machines and the MIDI standard.

During the 1950s, he repaired electronic organs and created new prototype organs while concurrently running an electrical appliance shop.

Kakehashi decided to devote himself to music and pursuit of the ideal electronic musical instrument, at 28 years old.

He was best known for founding Roland Corporation.

Before Roland, Kakehashi started Ace Tone, an organ company that evolved into Hammond Organ Japan. He left Hammond to start Roland in the early 1970s.

Ikutaro Kakehashi passed away at 87 years old.