The Detroit dance music scene lost a major figure this weekend. Ron Murphy (March 3, 1948 – January 12, 2007) died Saturday of a heart attack at age 59. Murphy ran Sound Enterprises, known earlier as National Sound Corporation, or NSC, responsible for mastering some of Detroit’s most notable releases.

NSC opened in 1989, and some of its first customers included Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. Murphy and business partner Steve Martel cut the masters for the original Plus 8 label releases, as well as the first Underground Resistance 12”, UR “Your Time Is Up.”

Moods and Grooves owner Mike Grant said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart and great regret that I announce the passing of Ron Murphy. Most of you already know of Ron and how important he was to the creation of Detroit techno, so there’s not much else I can say. A fund will be set up, hopefully tomorrow, to help with funeral expenses. I’ll pass on any additional details as I get them.”

Murphy went on to work with Anthony “Shake” Shakir, Jeff Mills, and dozens more. A Submerge podcast interview with Murphy is available at the Detroit Digital Vinyl website.