Pioneering electronic instrument engineer and entrepreneur Ikutaro Kakehashi has died at the age of 87.

Kakehashi founded the Roland Corporation in the early 1970s, and is closely associated with the development of the company's landmark drum machines like the TR-808 and 909, as well as other hugely influential products as the RE-201 Space Echo and Roland's many iconic synthesizers.

As a key force behind the growth of electronic musical instruments through the '70s and '80s, Kakehashi's impact on the sound of pop music can still be heard today.

Following his early career repairing watches and televisions, Kakehashi founded Ace Tone in the early '60s where he built organs, rudimentary effects, and basic drum machines likes the R-1 Rhythm Ace. Kakehashi was also known as one of the godfathers of the MIDI standard for which he received a Grammy award in 2013, alongside Dave Smith.

In addition to his success in the industry, Kakehashi was known for his passion for music and efforts to bring the joys of music creation to the masses. He received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 1991, and published a memoir I Believe in Music in 2002.