Detroit DJ/producer Mike Huckaby has died at the age of 54, according to reports on social media.
In March, Del Smith launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Huckaby who had suffered a “medical setback.”
Smith wrote on the page, “As artists, we do not have the luxury of job funded health care and sometimes need a bit of help, as costs can be extreme. Especially when the unexpected occurs. So please, give what you can and let’s help our brother in his time of need. And say a prayer for our brother.”
Huckaby was an active artist, traveling DJ, sound designer and passionate educator. He worked in the realm of deep house and was a crate-digger with a vast knowledge of music spanning countless genres. His musical resume included releasing music via Tresor, Rick Wade’s Harmonie Park and several other labels, including his own Deep Transportation and S Y N T H imprints.
As a remixer, he lent his golden touch to selections by Pole, Model 500, DeepChord, Vladislav Delay and many others.
I met Huckaby in 2011 at a three-day event hosted by Red Bull in Palm Springs, CA. I found him to be a thoughtful man whose aim was true – he was all about the music. We became Facebook friends and I enjoyed seeing his updates from his many travels. What always impressed me about him was how much he cared about his community and continuously gave back in a selfless way.
There will never be another like Mike Huckaby.
Update (April 26): Del Smith confirmed on Facebook that Huckaby succumbed from complications of Stroke and COVID-19. He added that “there will be a memorial of sorts at an outdoor venue as soon as the restrictions are lifted.”
Heartbroken to hear about Mike Huckaby. He was a hero to many, and a mentor to those fortunate enough to be close to him. You can’t talk about the spirit of Detroit techno without acknowledging it was fully embodied in Mike Huckaby. May he Rest In Peace.
— ambivalent (@ambivalent) April 24, 2020
The world lost a great one. RIP Mike Huckaby. #DetroitForever.https://t.co/yLd0NL4c0M pic.twitter.com/QblZ1IYG29
— smartbar chicago (@SmartBar) April 24, 2020
Mike was my mentor, my teacher. A guardian w/ immeasurable influence. all these decades later, I hold him in the highest regards. Mike Huckaby & his endless contributions will always be the truth. An irreplaceable Detroit enigma. Godspeed my friend, Huck 💔 #MikeHuckaby313 pic.twitter.com/wRz0j5mIPz
— Mike Servito (@mikeservito) April 25, 2020
Detroit Techno army salute #MikeHuckaby
— DETROIT STATE OF MIND (@carlcraignet) April 24, 2020