Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May Honor Belleville Three ‘Brother’ Juan Atkins

"We shared a journey that changed music forever," Saunderson wrote of his friend and fellow techno pioneer

Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May shared tributes to their friend, collaborator, and fellow techno pioneer Juan Atkins, who died over the weekend at the age of 64.

“Juan was the originator of Techno, a true visionary who opened the door for so many of us, myself included,” Saunderson wrote on Instagram. “I’ll never forget how he showed me how to finish my first record, Triangle of Love. That meant a lot to me then, and it still does today.”

Atkins, Saunderson, and May are widely credited as the architects of Detroit techno, fusing elements of early Chicago house with the electronic music being made by groups like Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra. The trio met as teenagers in Belleville, Michigan, outside of Detroit, eventually earning the honorific, the “Belleville Three.” 

“We shared a journey that changed music forever, and I’ll always be grateful for his friendship, guidance and everything he gave to our scene,” Saunderson continued. “My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Juan.” 

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Atkins was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Mexico City on Saturday (Oct. 31), ahead of a show that night. He was later declared dead at the hospital. An official cause of death has not yet been revealed, though according to the Detroit Free Press, Atkins had been battling health issues related to diabetes in recent years. 

May, in his statement, alluded to Atkins’ health too, but did not provide specifics. In a short video shared on Instagram, May said, “He never complained. He never mentioned how sick he was, for years. He just went out and did his job the best way he could. Respect his legacy. Respect the effort. Respect the work. Respect the accomplishments.”