Juan Atkins, Detroit techno pioneer and Cybotron co-founder, dies at 64
Juan Atkins, one of the founders of Detroit techno, has died at 64, The Guardian and Billboard reported. The Guardian called him the first person to use the word “techno” for the hard electronic style he helped create. His agency, Greensmith Artists, announced the death on Sunday. No cause has been reported.
What we know: Atkins was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Mexico City on Saturday before a scheduled performance and was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, Billboard reported, citing Resident Advisor.
His work: Born in Detroit in 1962 and raised in nearby Belleville, Michigan, Atkins formed the Belleville Three with schoolmates Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. With Rik Davis he formed Cybotron, whose 1983 debut album Enter included the track Clear; the duo split in 1985. He then founded the label Metroplex and recorded as Model 500, starting with the single No UFO’s, Billboard reported. Missy Elliott built her 2005 hit Lose Control on Clear, The Guardian noted.
Tributes: Saunderson called Atkins “a true visionary who opened the door for so many of us, myself included,” Billboard reported.