The electronic music community is mourning the loss of Juan Atkins, one of the pioneering figures behind Detroit techno. His management company, Green Smith Artists, confirmed his passing on November 1, 2026. He was 64.
Widely recognized as one of the architects of Detroit techno, Atkins helped shape the sound and direction of electronic music over a career spanning more than four decades. His influence reached far beyond Detroit, inspiring generations of producers, DJs, and artists around the world.
Atkins’ musical journey began early. At just 18, he co-founded Cybotron alongside Richard ‘3070’ Davis. The…
