Mike Huckaby, one of the most prolific disc jockeys in Detroit, MI, died Friday, April 24, after a long period of hospitalization due to COVID-19. He was 54 years old.
Huckaby's illness
Mike, according to his brother Craig, had a stroke, but his health has improved. However, after his recovery, he developed cough, sweats, and eventually, he was attached a ventilator. He tested positive for COVID-19, his brother added.
His booking agency, CONNECT Bookings, confirmed his death on their Facebook page. "RIP Mike Huckaby. One of the greatest DJs and producers in the history of electronic dance music. An incredible human being. The world has lost a genius today," CONNECT wrote in their caption.
Detroit Free press added that the funeral and memorial arrangements are pending.
Huckaby before death
Before Huckaby's death, a fundraising campaign was launched to cover his medical expenses. Fellow DJ Delano Smith led the campaign, which garnered $26,015 worth of funds.
Huckaby was known to have many achievements in electronic music in Detroit. He was a known sound designer, educator, and tastemaker.
He started his career in the late 1980s in the dance music scene of Detroit after he graduated from Cooley High School. Bridging house music and techno, he became a familiar scene, doing performances in Motor Lounge, St. Andrew's Hall, Panacea, and Majestic Café.
Huckaby was also a regular of Detroit's Memorial Day techno fest, which began as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and changed into a movement. He was a part of the advisory board, which comprises top DJs in the city.
While being a DJ was his bread and butter, he also embraced modern technology included in crafting new mixes in the 2010s. Because of this, he taught software courses to young artists in Red Bull Music Academy, Youthville and anywhere.
He made 30 releases with 18 singles, 10 mixes, and one compilation. He also got three albums. His albums were "Groove Box," Jazz Delerium," and "Luv Time." His singles were "The Jazz Republic," My Life With The Wave," two volumes of "Deep Transportation," "The Tresor," Shifting Gears," and more.
Huckaby's death draws reactions
Disclosure gave condolences to Huckaby and said his music would continue to inspire. Huckaby's passing also saddened ghostly. He said that he was a teacher, mentor, and DJ that made electronic music special, and Huckaby will be missed greatly.
Hudson Mohawke and Moodyman also mourn Huckaby's passing. DJ Mike Servito posted a photo of him and Huckaby, saying in the caption that he was a guardian with huge influence, and his contributions will always "be the truth."
COVID-19 Update
As of writing, cases of COVID-19 in the United States is now reaching a million mark with over 987,000 reported. Over 55,000 patients have died, while more than 118,000 recovered from the disease. Worldwide, the total has reached 2.9 million, with more than 207,000 deaths, and over 881,000 recoveries. Michigan, where Mike Huckaby and his family lived, has 37,778 cases with 3,315 deaths, with no record of recoveries.
