Statement from the National Museum of African American Music on the Passing of Juan Atkins

November 5, 2026

The National Museum of African American Music mourns the passing of Juan Atkins, the Originator of Techno. From Detroit, with machines the world had dismissed, Juan built a sound that moved the globe and proved that genius comes from everywhere our people are. Techno is American music, Black music, and his gift to the world.

Our museum was preparing to welcome Juan to Nashville this week for From Nothing To Something, a celebration of his life and legacy, an honor he embraced with excitement and grace. Out of respect for his family, we have postponed that celebration and will announce a future date to honor him fully, in community with the artists who built this music alongside him.

Juan’s presence will still be felt in our building this Saturday. The artifacts he personally donated are now on view, placed with care and without ceremony, so that every guest can spend a moment with his legacy. Our Tiny Beatz program will go on as scheduled on Saturday, November 14th, introducing our youngest visitors to the joy of making beats, the truest tribute we can offer the man who showed the world what a young person and a machine can do.

Our hearts remain with his wife, his daughter, his family, and the generations of artists around the world who found their future in his sound.

Bill Jeffries, President
National Museum of African American Music