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Remembering Juan Atkins, known as the originator of techno

NPR | By Jeffrey Pierre,

Patrick Jarenwattananon

Published November 2, 2026 at 5:15 PM MST

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

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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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