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French electro DJ Kavinsky, best known for his global hit "Nightcall," was found dead in his Paris apartment on Tuesday evening, according to a report by Le Parisien.
The 50-year-old artist, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, achieved worldwide fame after the track was featured on the soundtrack of the 2011 film "Drive." He recently performed it alongside Belgian singer Angele and the band Phoenix at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to determine the cause of death, noting that first responders found no suspicious elements at the scene. Authorities are currently considering a stroke as a possible cause after the musician reportedly complained of headaches in recent days.
Recounting his upbringing in a 2022 interview, Kavinsky explained that he came from the suburbs, was born at Lariboisiere Hospital in Barbes where his mother worked as a nurse, and grew up as the eldest of three children. "I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth," he said.
"My father sold photocopiers and socks. I first lived in Pre-Saint-Gervais, on Place du Marche, and when my parents divorced, my mother and I moved to Pantin. She did all the work. And I got up to petty mischief," he added.
Before global stardom, Kavinsky appeared in several films by his friend Quentin Dupieux—an electro musician known as Mr. Oizo—including "Nonfilm" and "Steak" in 2001 and 2007, respectively.
However, it was the 2011 release of "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, that changed his trajectory when his track "Nightcall" served as the film's opening theme. "It changed my life," he remarked in an earlier interview.
Following his sudden passing, tributes poured in from French leadership. President Emmanuel Macron paid homage on Instagram, posting an illustration from the cover of the artist's album "RoadGame" and describing him as a "French pride forever."
Culture Minister Catherine Pegard similarly reacted on X, stating, "With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France loses one of its most distinctive voices. From the film "Drive" to the Paris Olympics, the whole world vibrated to 'Nightcall.' Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to cross generations and borders."
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