Detroit soul legend Amp Fiddler dies aged 65, tributes pour in

Detroit soul icon Joseph Anthony Fiddler, known as Amp Fiddler, passed away at the age of 65.

Faith Fanzine shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), hailing him as "the king of the new era of Detroit soul."

Although the cause of his death remains undisclosed, Fiddler started a crowdfunding campaign last December to aid his recovery and return to the stage after facing an undisclosed illness. In the past week, fundraising events were held at Detroit's Marble Bar and Spot Lite venues.


Fiddler left a lasting musical legacy, starting his career with the soul group Enchantment in the '70s. In the following decade, he joined George Clinton's Parliament and Funkadelic, showing his range as a singer, songwriter, producer, and keyboardist.

Throughout his journey, he collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Prince, Jamiroquai, Moodymann, Theo Parrish, and J Dilla, whom he even taught how to use the Akai MPC drum machine.

His music found homes on labels like Mahogani Music and Sound Signature, with his final release being the collaborative single "Come On Over," released in June with Luke Solomon.

In the '80s, Fiddler, a musical educator, established Camp Amp, a music production school, while residing in Los Angeles. Upon returning to Detroit, he brought the school with him, actively involving local kids and mentoring talents like Dilla, Waajeed, and Andrés.

Tributes pour in

The Blessed Madonna joins fellow artists in honoring Fiddler, praising him as the epitome of excellence. The DJ expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to Detroit.

Blessed Madonna, hailed Amp Fiddler as the best who played a crucial role in significant music, leaving an indelible mark on many musical journeys.

Defected Records expressed their tribute on X/Twitter, stating that it is not possible to summarize his impact on music. They conveyed their honor and privilege in knowing Amp through his collaboration with Dames Brown.

FAQs:

Q1: When was Amp Fiddler born?
A1: 1958.

Q2: What is Amp Fiddler's full name?
A2: Joseph Amp Fiddler.