Juan Atkins Mourned By Fellow Artists: He ‘Sparked the Electronic Music Revolution We’re Living in Today’
The founding father of techno died on Oct. 31 at age 64.
The electronic music community is in mourning over the loss of Juan Atkins, a pioneer of techno who passed away at the age of 64. Atkins was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room in Mexico City on Saturday, October 31 prior to a planned performance at YuYu Cine Club. He was promptly taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Atkins gained his reputation as part of the Belleville Three, a trio consisting of himself, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May, who are widely recognized for originating techno in Detroit during the 1980s. He also collaborated with fellow producer Richard Davis to form the electronic duo Cybotron. The duo's debut album, Enter, released in 1983, featured the futuristic track "Clear," which made it to No. 52 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in October 1983.
The song was also ranked No. 77 on Billboard's 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time and was sampled in Missy Elliott's 2005 hit “Lose Control,” produced by Timbaland.
Under the Model 500 alias, Atkins' "No UFO’s" peaked at No. 36 on Dance Singles Sales in 1985. Throughout his career, Atkins not only amassed a deep catalog of work but also played a foundational role in shaping the genre. His productions and live sets pushed music forward, influencing all who practice techno. Fellow techno legend Kenny Larkin recalled in his tribute, "every single one of you who does techno" owes their craft to Atkins' influence.
Producers and event brands across the genre and beyond are now honoring Atkins and his monumental impact.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
