Detroit legend Mike Huckaby dies aged 54

Undoubtedly, he is one of the world’s greatest and most respected DJs and producers. One of Detroit’s heroes. Sadly, the one and only Mike Huckaby departed from the planet three days ago (Friday 24 April) at the age of 54, initially from a stroke which led to a lengthy hospitalisation period, followed by COVID-19.

Highly respected, and deservingly so, Mike got into Detroit’s local scene in the late 1980s, and it was purely through practice and diligence did he hone his craft. He was beyond a DJ, he was an inspirer, educator, producer and label head. He was also highly regarded for his commitment to Detroit music store Record Time, where he was the lead buyer and manager. Detroit was a big part of his life, always on the line-up for the city’s Memorial Day techno festival, Movement. He was scheduled to play this year, but the event has also been cancelled due to COVID-19. Beyond the city of Detroit, he was close to the hearts of many around the world, especially those who respected the true and ‘real’ form of deep house laden with jazzy and a dash of dubby techno.

Juan Atkins, Loco Dice, LoSoul and Jazzanova are just a few of the names you’ll stumble across in his discography. “All I can say is he was a truly humble ambassador for the music he loved,” Record Time founder Mike Himes shared with Resident Advisor. “Such a class act and he had a huge impact on many not just in Detroit but everywhere. He will be greatly missed.”

Have a listen below to one of our favourite tunes by Mike that was released on Rick Wade’s Harmonie Park imprint, ‘Disco time!’.

And below is a live vinyl-only set by Mike Huckaby for The Lab NYC by Mixmag.

RIP Mike Huckaby