Juan Atkins Has Died. He Helped Invent Techno Music. - The New York Times

Juan Atkins, the influential musician and producer widely recognized as a godfather and co-inventor of techno music, has died. He was 64.

According to his talent agents, Greensmith Artists, Atkins was found dead on Saturday in Mexico City. A family representative stated that he passed away in his hotel room ahead of a scheduled performance. A specific cause of death was not released.

Along with musician Richard Davis, Atkins formed the pioneering electronic group Cybotron. The duo released foundational tracks including "Alleys of Your Mind" and the 1983 single "Clear," which is celebrated as a defining moment for the genre and was later sampled in Missy Elliott's hit "Lose Control." Atkins is frequently credited with coining the term "techno" to describe the entirely electronic sound of his early releases.

After parting ways with Cybotron in 1985, Atkins continued to innovate under various monikers, most notably Model 500, through which he released underground dance-floor anthems like "No UFO’s." Throughout his decades-long career, his work blended club rhythms with forward-thinking social commentary regarding automation, surveillance, and technology.