In 1972 Ikutaro Kakehashi founded the Roland corporation. He invented the 808 drum machine which is used in 80% of of today’s modern hits.

He also invented MIDI which is fundamental in the creation of digital music. With out the invention of MIDI, None of today’s hits would exist.

The Roland Corporation also design Synthesizers, Keyboards, Electronic Drums, Mixers, Music software, speakers, microphones, and even amplifiers!

In 2000 Ikutaro Kakehashi left his handprints at Hollywood’s Rock Walk and In 2002 he published his autobiography titled “I believe in music”.

Ikutaro Kakehashi Was born in Osaka Japan on February 7th and just very recently died this April. Without Ikutaro Kakehashi’s advancements in electronic music we would not have the same music we would have today.