Juan Atkins, often called “The Originator” of techno, died on Saturday night, marking the loss of a seminal artist for electronic music. He was born in Detroit in 1962 and spent his teenage years in the suburb of Belleville after his grandparents persuaded his family to stay local rather than move to California.
Atkins’ grandmother, Lily, played a notable role in his early development, helping the 15‑year‑old purchase a monosynth that would shape his sound. Already active in funk groups, he drew inspiration from Bernie Worrell’s work with Funkadelic, blending those influences into the emerging techno scene.
The Quietus first reported the tribute, highlighting how familial decisions and early equipment access contributed to Atkins’ lasting impact on the genre.