Funk Legend Amp Fiddler Dies at 65, Music World Honors His Influence

The Detroit music scene is in mourning over the loss of Joseph “Amp” Fiddler, the renowned funk musician and producer, who has died at 65 following a brave battle with cancer.

Fiddler's impact on music, particularly in nurturing the talents of James “J. Dilla” Yancey, is celebrated by many. Fiddler generously instructed Dilla in the use of the Akai MPC sampling machine, a significant milestone in Dilla's career, during the time they were neighbors in Detroit's Conant Gardens.

Fiddler's musical journey included a notable tenure as a keyboard player for George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, spanning over a decade from 1985 to 1996. His skill and spirit are remembered on Parliament-Funkadelic's Facebook tribute, hailing his 'eternal musical excellence'.

Beyond his collaborations with influential artists like Moodymann, Jamiroquai, and Prince, Fiddler also marked his solo career with albums such as With Respect in 1990 and Waltz of a Ghetto Fly in 2004. He continued to produce music up to 2017 with Amp Dog Knights.

The hip-hop community, including celebrities like Questlove and author Dan Charnas, have expressed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing Fiddler's generosity and mentorship. His legacy resonates profoundly in the Detroit hip-hop scene, where many artists cite his influence.

While details of Fiddler's official memorial service are not yet released, a GoFundMe campaign is underway to help with funeral costs.

producer, influence, mentor