French DJ and electro‑house musician Kavinsky has been found dead at his home in Paris aged 50.
The artist, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, became famous for the 2010 track “Nightcall,” the opening soundtrack of the 2011 neo‑noir film Drive starring Ryan Gosling.
After his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, “Nightcall” became the song most Shazamed in a single day in the app’s history.
President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook that Kavinsky was “a source of French pride forever.”
Culture Minister Catherine Pégard noted on X that France had lost “one of its most unique voices” and praised the track for moving people worldwide.
Officials said Kavinsky was found dead at his Paris home, with no suspicious items. A preliminary investigation points to a possible stroke after he had complained of headaches.
The self‑taught pianist started his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk, and was part of the second wave of “French Touch” artists alongside Justice and Sébastien.
“Nightcall” was produced with Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sébastien, and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. It was later covered by London Grammar in 2013 and performed by Angèle during the 2024 Olympics.
Kavinsky also collaborated with The Weeknd on a version of “OutRun.”
