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Ikutaro Kakehashi
1930 - 2017
Ikutaro Kakehashi
1930 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2017
Ikutaro Kakehashi Obituary
Tommy Snyder, a former adviser for Roland, reported his death.
Kakehashi founded the Roland Corp. in 1972. They developed instruments that changed the face of the music industry.
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Kakehashi and Roland created game-changing synthesizers and the legendary TR-808 drum machine that has been used by a plethora of artists in pop music.
The TR-808 came out in 1980 and can be heard on records by major 1980s bands like New Order and Depeche Mode. The 808 was used on the new-wave hit “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell.
The drum machine has been featured by many hip-hop artists including Dr. Dre, the Beastie Boys, and Run-DMC. Roland synthesizers were the primary instrument of popular electronica bands including Aphex Twin and the Prodigy, and can be heard on the opening of the Marvin Gaye hit “Sexual Healing.”
After learning of Kakehashi’s death, many musicians paid tribute to the music pioneer.
Marc Almond of Soft Cell tweeted, “A man who changed Music Ikutaro Kakehashi the Man behind the Roland Synth,808 and more has sadly passed. Thanks for the Electro sounds.”
Martyn Ware, who played keyboards for the Human League, told the BBC: "Roland was central to everything that we did for the whole of the first two albums – they featured on every track."
32 Entries
Mia A
July 12, 2017
Music is the soundtrack of life.
May the joys you experienced with Ikutaro live in your hearts as you rely on God for comfort day by day.
jason szostek
May 9, 2017
thank you for your life's work, without it my life would have been very different and not for the better. Love and respect.
Li
May 4, 2017
When we lose loved ones no words can remove the pain felt by the family and friends. Memories can bring back good times and thoughts of being with our cherished ones. May the inner peace that comes from comfort you receive from others help bring some relief. My most sincere condolence for your loss.
Friends
May 1, 2017
To the family and friends Mr Kakehashi, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are so sorry for your loss Mr Kakehashi was an amazing and compassionate gentlemen. May the God of comfort be with you during this challenging time. He will be sorrily missed. May the Almighty in His infinite wisdom grant solace to the bereaved.
How you can show support
April 7, 2017
In the 1970s and 1980s, my very dear friend, Joey had a Roland Synthesizer Keyboard and my Joey could make it talk like you've never heard before. Thanks.
M. Leary
April 7, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Ikutaro Kakehashi.
April 6, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I hope all find comfort in their memories of all the good times.
Gale B
April 5, 2017
May God give you all the strength to deal with such a sad moment.
Valenda Newell
April 5, 2017
A GREAT MAN WHO CHANGED THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, HIS GREATNESS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN....RIH...PRAYERS and BLESSINGS to family and friends
April 5, 2017
Mr Kakehashi made a lot of people in he music business happy. May his memory be cherished by family and friends. God love you.
Frenk Huijbers
April 5, 2017
Condolences to the family of Ikutaro Kakehashi
April 4, 2017
Condolences to the family of Ikutaro Kakehashi.
I'm so sorry for your (and the music industry) loss.
May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.
Carlotta
April 4, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the kakehashi family and friends at this difficult time.
April 4, 2017
Condolenced and love to family of a great musician.
Jenkins
April 4, 2017
When one possesses a talent and shares it with others it is well appreciated as is evidence of Mr. Kakehashi's accomplishments and the joy he brought others. Family, enjoy your memories of him and trust in the love of God, friends and family to assist you through your grief.
Ada
April 4, 2017
Thoughts and condolences are with the Kakehashi family at this difficult time. May you be surrounded by kind words, sincere deeds, and precious memories. May God continue to comfort you as well.
Mrs. K. Jackson
April 3, 2017
Ikutaro had an accomplished life in the music industry. That is something for which his loved ones can be proud. All is not lost in seeing him again God purposes to restore your loved one to perfect health and the surviving family can live forever in paradise earth, in perfect mind and body.
L W
April 3, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that the God of all comfort hears your cries and he will rescue you with comfort and peace during this sad occasion.
April 3, 2017
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Ikutaro Kakehashi's passing. His fine legacy will sure be remembered. May he forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.
April 3, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Linda
April 3, 2017
Please draw close to God for comfort and strength during this time of sorrow. He will 3 you the needed support to endure. I am sorry for your loss. (Psalms 145:14,18) -
April 3, 2017
My condolences to the Kakehashi Family and friends for the loss of Ikutaro. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
April 3, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
April 3, 2017
I sincerely offer my condolence: Words seem insufficient at this time. Although nobody denies the certainty of death, we all need comfort. May you find real comfort and relief from family and friends those who love you and gradually recover from your pain.
April 3, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 2, 2017
My condolences go out to family and friends of Ikutaro
Rom 15;33May the God who gives peace be with all of you. Amen
Mary Green
April 2, 2017
My deepest Condolences to the family of Ikutaro Kakehashi may you find Comfort in knowing that others share your sorrow with you, take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes.
S D
April 2, 2017
To the family and friends of Mr kakehashi please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the good times and happy memories bring joy to your hearts. Death is not easy to deal with at anytime but keep in mind the loving words of John 6:40. I hope you find comfort and peace in that happy hope.
Adrian Barnette
April 2, 2017
We'll miss you !
April 2, 2017
Deepest sympathy. Mr. Kakehashi will be missed sadly. Prayers and words of comfort to his loved ones in distress.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
April 2, 2017
What a talented man. Although many don't know Mr. Kakehashi by name, his contributions to the world of music are legendary. He will be missed. May the family lean on each other and on God to get through this difficult time.
Brian
April 2, 2017
The list is endless on just how many bands have proudly used a Rowland instrument since it's inception, thank you sir.
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