Remembering Juan Atkins, known as the originator of techno

NPR | By Jeffrey Pierre,

Published November 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM CST

Detroit native Juan Atkins has died. He's known as the "godfather" or "originator" of techno music.

Jeffrey Pierre

Jeffrey Pierre is an editor and producer on the Education Desk.

Patrick Jarenwattananon

Host of NPR Music's A Blog Supreme

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