The Belleville Three

The Belleville Three—Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson—are renowned Detroit-area musicians credited with pioneering the techno music genre in the early 1980s. They combined electronic, dance, and futuristic sounds, using synthesizers and drum machines, to create a new style of music that influenced the global dance scene. Their innovative approach helped transform Detroit into a hub for electronic music, fostering a vibrant underground scene. As foundational figures, they are often called the "godfathers of techno," shaping the genre's development and inspiring countless artists worldwide.