Detroit Music Legend Amp Fiddler Dies At 65

The music community suffered a sad loss after the death of Amp Fiddler, known as the “king of the new era of Detroit Soul.” The singer-songwriter, real name Joseph Anthony Fiddler, passed away at 65.

Faith Fanzine reported the keyboardist’s death on Monday morning (Dec. 18). “Faith are saddened to hear that Amp Fiddler has passed away,” they wrote. “The king of the new era of Detroit Soul. RIP.” Currently, his cause of death is unknown.

After Fiddler experiencing health issues in December 2022, a GoFundMe was put together to assist the Amp Dog Knights artist with paying his medical bills, and fans and supporters raised over $75,000 on his behalf. The charitable efforts continued earlier this month as a benefit concert was held in Detroit to continue financial support for the Funkadelic artist. Dez Andrés, Monica Blaire, Bevlove, and Britney Stoney were among those who performed at the show.

Questlove paid homage to Amp Fiddler on Instagram following the confirmation of his death. “Rest easy brother Amp,” he wrote. “For all those talks during the Pfunk tour. For all the music. Especially of course mentoring the one who mentored us (Dilla)——thank you brother.”

British DJ Gilles Peterson shared a similar sentiment. “Waking up to the desperately sad news that our dear friend Amp Fiddler has passed,” he wrote. “From George Clinton to Dilla to Moodyman … Detroit royalty … a huge influence on musicians from all sides of the globe – he connected generations and scenes… a mentor to so many.”

Amp Fiddler was best known for his contributions to the band Enchantment, in addition to George Clinton’s two bands Parliament and Funkadelic. He eventually went solo and released his debut LP Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly in March 2004. Most recently, he appeared on Luke Solomon’s “Come On Over” single back in June 2023.

VIBE sends its sincerest condolences to Amp Fiddler’s family, loved ones, and fans affected by his passing.

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