Many electronic music aficionados likely know the origin of techno music in Detroit. It’s a conversation that includes pioneering African American producer Carl Craig, a leading figure in the second wave of Detroit techno. The Detroit-born producer has found acclaim as a techno artist, Grammy-nominated producer, label manager and music festival creator.  

Craig’s music career started in 1989 under a number of aliases — 69, BFC, Psyche, Innerzone Orchestra, No Boundaries and several others. In 1991, Craig opened his own music label, Planet E Communications, followed by the release of his first studio album in 1995.  

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In 2000 and 2001, Craig served as the co-creator and artistic director of the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. He received a Grammy nomination in 2008 for his mix of Junior Boys’ “Like a Child.” For Black History Month, contributor Stephen Henderson, host of “American Black Journal,” sat down with Craig for a conversation about techno’s Black roots in Detroit.  

Craig shares memories of growing up in Detroit and how his role models – techno artists Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May – created a music genre that now dominates the electronic music scene around the world. He also talks about the importance and influence of the Black music experience locally and globally. 

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Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.