Eddie Fowlkes
Born 1962 in Detroit Michigan
Less Known but no less legendary
Eddie Fowlkes is a DJ pioneer, quick-mix master, ambassador for music, and label owner, Eddie Fowlkes has been the man behind Detroit Techno since 1986. It's not just because his handprints are engraved on the Detroit Historical Museum's "Legends Plaza" that Eddie Fowlkes helped create Detroit Techno.
Following a Charivari party attended by his older sisters in 1978 where DJ Darryl Shannon was mixing records, Fowlkes asked for a mixer for Christmas in the late 70s and made his DJ debut in the late 80s. When Fowlkes was DJing, a party he attended inspired Kevin Saunderson, mentioned previously, to join the Deep Space Crew and become an even better DJ! Who would have known that a Christmas miracle would happen back in 1978?
Why is Fowlkes deemed the forgotten one? The main reason for this is because Fowlkes did not start a record label like his peers. Atkins, May, and Saunderson have been institutionalized by Metroplex, Transmat, and KMS. (This also gave them the freedom to release whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.)
In 1993, Fowlkes started City Boy Records, but the trio already had several years of experience under their belts. This was a bonus as many people were starting up record labels with no avail as their experience could never match that of Fowlkes. He was one to watch.
Michigan's rich cultural heritage is rooted in the men and women who made Detroit home while going on to shape our nation's landscape. And, of course, Mr. Fowlkes' hands are engraved here! It was his championships that became our championships and his hit songs that became our soundtracks.
A key contributor to the fledgling Techno scene in mid 80s Detroit was Eddie 'Flashin' Fowlkes. His music also helped to initiate a new style of dance music known as 'Techno-Soul,' a blend of deep, soulful house music and the electronic sounds forever associated with his hometown.
In the early 80s, he used to do parties called Deepspace – the DJs were himself, Juan Atkins, and Derrick May. That was the beginning of Detroit techno. A brand new world had been shaped by the DJs!
After releasing Detroit Techno Soul on MID in 1991, Fowlkes introduced the concept of Techno Soul because, he said, "Detroit has both house and techno heads." This was followed by the 1993 Tresor release of "The Birth Of Technosoul.". He was the creator of a fantastic community of like-minded individuals.
Fowlkes loves to keep his audience and fans on their toes by performing at secret locations. This creates a great deal of excitement amongst many and allows him to thrive as an artist and keep being creative.
Out of every venue and location ever played, Fowlkes stays true to his roots. His most played location is Detroit, amongst other places such as Berlin and London. He clearly sticks to his hometown for a reason and knows precisely where his roots are firmly planted.