French DJ Kavinsky, known for ‘Nightcall,’ dead at 50
French DJ and musician Kavinsky, whose electronic hit “Nightcall” gained international recognition after appearing in the movie Drive, has been found dead at his home in Paris, prosecutors said Wednesday. He was 50.
Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at his home after a concerned neighbor contacted emergency services, according to Le Figaro. He would have turned 51 on Friday.
The musician had complained of headaches for several days and a stroke is suspected, the newspaper reported, citing a police source. An official cause of death has not been determined.
The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation to determine the cause of death. Emergency workers found no suspicious evidence at the scene.
Kavinsky was best known for “Nightcall,” which was released in 2010 and played during the opening credits of the 2011 movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
The song, produced with Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and featuring vocals by Lovefoxxx, became one of the defining tracks of the synthwave genre.
“Nightcall” was later included on Kavinsky’s debut album, OutRun, which was released in 2013. He returned with his second album, Reborn, in 2022.
In 2024, Kavinsky performed “Nightcall” with the French band Phoenix and Belgian singer Angèle during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
“Kavinsky, a source of French pride forever,” President Emmanuel Macron said. Culture Minister Catherine Pégard said France had lost “one of its most singular voices,” adding that his music would continue to cross generations and borders.
“A true icon of French electronic music,” Fellow French DJ David Guetta said in a social media post. “Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire. Thank you for your kindness and simplicity.”
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
