Detroit techno pioneer and visionary Juan Atkins dies at 64

Juan Atkins, the visionary Detroit musician who helped invent techno, has died at 64.

Electronic music innovator Juan Atkins has died at the age of 64. Known as one of the founding figures of Detroit techno alongside Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May, he shaped modern dance music under aliases such as Model 500 and through his work with Cybotron. His agency confirmed his passing, marking the loss of a foundational architect of electronic music.

• Musical legacyHe blended European electronic futurism with American funk to establish the Detroit techno genre.
• Founding trioHe was the oldest member of the Belleville Three and introduced his peers to synthesizers and DJing equipment.
• Industry aliasesHe released influential music under several pseudonyms, most notably Model 500 and as part of the duo Cybotron.