Juan Atkins, co-founder of Detroit techno, dies at 64; how he changed electronic dance music

Electronic dance music has lost one of the people who helped shape its sound. Juan Atkins, the Detroit musician widely regarded as one of the founders of techno, has died at the age of 64. His music helped turn a sound born in an American city into a global movement, influencing generations of DJs and producers. Juan Atkins' death was confirmed by his management company, Green Smith Artists. According to MusicRadar, the producer was scheduled to perform at a club in Mexico City on October 31 but was reportedly found unresponsive in his hotel room before the show. No cause of death has been publicly confirmed.

Who was Juan Atkins? Story of Detroit techno's pioneer

Juan Atkins grew up in a musically rich environment, with his father working as a concert promoter. His passion for electronic sounds emerged during his teenage years. While attending Belleville High School in Michigan, he became friends with Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Together, they formed the group known as the Belleville Three, which is credited with playing a significant role in the creation and development of Detroit techno.

According to the Detroit Historical Society, Atkins drew inspiration from the music of George Clinton and the German electronic band Kraftwerk. He started experimenting with synthesisers and electronic instruments, crafting a sound that distinctly set itself apart from the popular music of that era.

Cybotron and music that changed techno

In 1980, Atkins formed the electronic music duo Cybotron with Richard “Rik” Davis. Their music combined electronic sounds with funk and futuristic themes. One of their best-known tracks, Clear, became an important release in the early development of techno. Atkins later began releasing music under the name Model 500. His 1985 track No UFOs became another landmark in Detroit techno. The musician also founded Metroplex Records, which helped promote the city's emerging electronic music scene. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Atkins reflected on the music's early days and its growing popularity in Britain. He recalled seeing thousands of people embrace a sound that had emerged from Detroit's Black music community.

Juan Atkins' influence on electronic music

Juan Atkins' influence extended far beyond Detroit. His music helped shape the sound of electronic dance music in Europe, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom. Many described him as the “techno godfather”, while AllMusic credited him with playing a major role in developing the genre during the 1980s. Juan Atkins continued performing and producing music throughout his career. His death marks the loss of a musician whose work helped define an entire genre. His legacy lives on through the artists he inspired and the electronic music scene he helped build.