K-Hand, the pioneering "First Lady of Detroit Techno," RIP
A sad day for the world of house and techno. We just leaned that Chicago house producer Paul Johnson had died at age 50 but word also came today that Kelli Hand, the producer known as “The First Lady of Detroit Techno,” has died at age 56.
Born in Detroit, Kelli got her taste for dance music while living in New York at clubs like Paradise Garage, and started buying records and then DJing. She was soon making her own music, having started label UK House Records in 1990 which she renamed later that year to Acacia Records (after a street in Detroit) and released the Think About It EP under the name Etat Solide. She soon adopted the K-Hand moniker and released dozens of records, including some on labels like Warp and !K7.
“Mad respect for Kelli Hand,” Mike Servito wrote on Twitter. “We finally met in London of all places a few years ago. Those Acacia records; she was pioneering! You leave us with an inspirational Detroit music legacy. Thank you. Rest eternal, K-Hand.” Read a few more tributes to Kelli, and listen to some of her music, below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPLlVDa5wTo
Mad respect for Kelli Hand. We finally met in London of all places a few years ago. Those Acacia records; she was pioneering! You leave us with an inspirational Detroit music legacy. Thank you. Rest eternal, K-Hand 💜 pic.twitter.com/wmxyn3EtXK
— Mike Servito (@mikeservito) August 4, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of Kelli Hand. Our Detroit Sista will truly be missed. Deepest condolences to all her family and friends. We keep losing our musical family folks. Look deep in your heart and love one another. pic.twitter.com/JSRMOk9rNW
— Octave One (@octaveone) August 4, 2021
Sad to hear the Kelli Hand passed away. A key figure and friend who pushed her own unique Detroit sound through an industry for over 30+ years. Condolences to her family and I know we will all remember Kelli though her incredible music contributions. pic.twitter.com/rF9GbIBXGG
— richiehawtin (@richiehawtin) August 4, 2021
The news is true. My sis, my friend since high school, the First Lady of Detroit Techno, the great Miss Kelli Hand is gone. I’m at a loss for words. pic.twitter.com/bP3xgLaWoh
— Back In The USSA🇺🇸 (@alan_oldham) August 4, 2021
A devastating loss for techno, & music culture as a whole. Kelli Hand contributed more to techno than any woman I know to date, and the path she blazed, while many others benefit from the doors she opened, remains unique & special.
Thanks for the music Kelli pic.twitter.com/R5UZiHLjAv
— jay simon (@musthaverecords) August 4, 2021
Rest In Power Kelli Hand 💔 The First Lady of Detroit Techno. I’ll never forget meeting you while digging for records at RS94109 before your gig @housepitalityus in 2017. pic.twitter.com/d5ZPnuMQL3
— Dark Entries Records (@darkentriesrecs) August 4, 2021
