# Who are the greatest techno producers and DJs of all time?

> Techno is one of electronic music's foundational genres, born in Detroit and evolved across the globe. These are the producers and DJs who gave it its power, vision and legacy.

*By YPB Team · Published April 17, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-are-the-greatest-techno-producers-and-djs-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Jeff Mills**
   Detroit-born DJ and producer known as 'The Wizard,' celebrated for extraordinary technical skill and innovative performances.
2. **Richie Hawtin**
   Canadian DJ known for minimalist techno as Plastikman and groundbreaking conceptual live performances.
3. **Carl Cox**
   British DJ known as 'The King of Techno' and one of the greatest live techno performers in history.
4. **Juan Atkins**
   Detroit producer who invented techno music as Model 500 in the early 1980s, earning the title 'Originator.'
5. **Derrick May**
   Detroit producer (Rhythim Is Rhythim) who co-created techno's emotional dimension with 'Strings of Life.'
6. **Kevin Saunderson**
   Detroit producer (Inner City) who helped bring techno closer to pop with globally successful crossover hits.
7. **Robert Hood**
   Detroit producer and M-Plant label founder known for stripped-down, minimalist techno that influenced a generation.
8. **Underground Resistance**
   Detroit collective led by Mad Mike Banks known for militant, politically charged, powerful techno.
9. **Dave Clarke**
   British DJ known as 'The Baron of Techno' for his hard-edged sets and influential radio show.
10. **Ben Klock**
   German DJ and Berghain resident known for precise, relentless techno sets that define the Berlin sound.
11. **Marcel Dettmann**
   German DJ and Berghain resident known for brooding, introspective, industrial-tinged techno.
12. **Nina Kraviz**
   Russian DJ and producer known for unpredictable, dark, and seductive techno performances.
13. **Surgeon**
   British producer Anthony Child known for dense, industrial-influenced techno.
14. **Laurent Garnier**
   French DJ who was a key figure in bringing techno to Europe in the early 1990s.
15. **Speedy J**
   Dutch producer Jochem Paap who was one of the first European techno artists signed to Warp Records.
16. **Len Faki**
   German DJ known for hard, rave-influenced techno sets at Berghain and international festivals.

Tags: historical-figures, music, bands, classics, performances