Detroit mourns the loss of one of its beloved musical legends, Joseph “Amp” Fiddler. The influential funk musician, singer, songwriter, and keyboardist passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. Fiddler’s impact on the Detroit music scene, his contributions to Parliament-Funkadelic, and his mentorship of iconic hip-hop producer J Dilla and many others have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
“Amp’s heart will forever be his real legend,” said poet and musical guru Jessica Caremoor. “I am so grateful to have known him and the love he showed my sone over the years is what we will never forget. He is a gift to anyone he touched. We are thankful for him.”
T3 from the legendary Detroit group Slum Village posted a tribute to Fiddler stating, “If it had not been for you, I don’t know where Slum Village would be today. Thank you, brother. Tell Dilla and Baatin, Wut Up Doe.”
Joseph Anthony Fiddler, born on May 17th, 1958, began his musical journey as a backup keyboardist and vocalist in the early 1980s. Leaving his studies under the tutelage of the late Harold McKinney at Oakland University, Fiddler joined the R&B group Enchantment. However, it was his remarkable 11-year tenure as the keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic from 1985 to 1996 that solidified his influence and musical prowess.
Fiddler’s time with Parliament-Funkadelic, a musical collective led by the legendary George Clinton, provided him with unparalleled experiences. His keyboard work on “We Can Funk,” a collaboration between Prince and Clinton from Prince’s “Graffiti Bridge” album, showcased his versatility. Fiddler’s musical journey extended beyond the funk genre, collaborating with artists such as Maxwell, Brand New Heavies, Raphael Saadiq, Slum Village, Carl Craig, and Moodyman over his four-decade career.
Amp Fiddler was not just a musician; he was a connector and a musical conduit. His mentorship of J Dilla, a pivotal figure in hip-hop, played a crucial role in Dilla’s ascent. Fiddler introduced Dilla to A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip, marking the beginning of Dilla’s influential career. The profound impact of Fiddler’s mentorship is detailed in Dan Charnas’ book, “Dilla Time.”
Fiddler’s solo career flourished with the release of “With Respect” in 1991 and the critically acclaimed “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly” in 2004, which charted in the United Kingdom. He continued to be a fixture on local stages, performing at festivals like Movement and Concert of Colors. In 2020, Fiddler received a Kresge Artist Fellowship, highlighting his enduring influence.
Amp Fiddler’s battle with cancer was a testament to his resilience. Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated to his craft and continued to inspire through his music. Earlier this month, a fundraiser was held at Spot Lite in Detroit to support Fiddler with mounting medical bills, reflecting the deep respect and love the community held for him.
As the music world mourns the loss of Joseph “Amp” Fiddler, Detroit reflects on the legacy of a true musical luminary. His contributions to funk, soul, and electronic music, as well as his role in shaping the careers of other musical legends, will continue to resonate for generations to come. Rest in peace, Amp Fiddler, and may your eternal musical excellence continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
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