Ward Swingle, founder of the Swingle Singers, died today at the age of 87.

Musical director of the a cappella group for 21 years, Swingle successfully remodelled the group’s repertoire drawing in contemporary classical music to add to the group’s heartland sound based on a swinging approach to Bach and Vivaldi. By the time he left the group in 1984 Swingle had written over 200 arrangements and compositions, recorded 24 albums, won Grammys for his work, and sung in more than 2,000 concerts. The current members of the Swingles in a statement expressed their sadness at their founder’s passing. “Ward was an inspiration to so many in the vocal community and beyond. As an arranger and composer he redefined what singers could do, made us hear music in a new way and brought us so much joy. It has always been an immense honour and privilege to perform under his name.”