Tributes are pouring in online for Joseph “Amp” Fiddler, the deeply influential Detroit musician who died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 65.
The singer, songwriter and keyboardist was known for his work with Parliament-Funkadelic, as well as his mentorship of Detroit hip-hop producer J Dilla. He also worked with Maxwell, Brand New Heavies, Raphael Saadiq, Slum Village, Carl Craig, Moodyman and many others over the course of his four-decade musical career.
“We face the insurmountable responsibility of sharing the passing of Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler,” read a message posted on Fiddler’s Instagram Monday. “Our beloved ‘Amp’ Fiddler, Detroit’s own world renowned ambassador of funk, soul, & electronic music, keyboardist, producer, Afro-futurist, and guiding force of light for so many, has transitioned at the age of 65. After an extensive and noble battle with cancer, he now gracefully rests in peace and power.
“It would be impossible to encapsulate the gravity of his energy, global impact & contributions. His life’s work, legacy, & most importantly…his LOVE…will far exceed his earthly presence. How blessed are we, to have experienced Amp Fiddler in this lifetime. A beautiful spirit & gift of light…”
“Rest easy brother Amp,” Roots drummer Questlove wrote on Instagram early Monday. “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.”
“Rest in eternal musical excellence Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Joseph Anthony ‘Amp’ Fiddler (May 17th, 1958-December 17th, 2023),” read a message from George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic’s Facebook page on Monday. “Fly on Amp! We love you dearly!”
Fiddler was a connector, a musical conduit, and he’s credited with introducing J Dilla to A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip, which began Dilla’s ascendency up hip-hop’s ranks.
The meeting, as detailed in Dan Charnas’ 2022 book “Dilla Time,” occurred in July 1994, when Fiddler was touring with George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars on that summer’s Lollapalooza festival, along with A Tribe Called Quest. Fiddler brought Dilla to one of the Pine Knob shows and made the introduction on Tribe’s tour bus. Fiddler also introduced Dilla to Clinton that day.
Fiddler’s music career began as backup keyboardist and vocalist in the early 1980s. He left Oakland University — where he was studying music under a legendary Detroit jazz pianist, the late Harold McKinney — to tour with the R&B group Enchantment.
But it was his 11-year stint as keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic, from 1985 to 1996, that had the greatest influence on him.
“It was an amazing experience to get that gig,” Fiddler told The News in 2008.
Fiddler formed a group with his brother Bubz, dubbed Mr. Fiddler, and together they released the album “With Respect” in 1990. He released his debut solo album, “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly,” in 2004.
He was a fixture on local stages and performed at Movement and other festivals many times over the years. He was on the bills of both Movement and Concert of Colors in 2022, and he received a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2020.
A fundraiser was held earlier this month at Spot Lite in Detroit to help pay his mounting medical bills.
A GoFundMe was launched Monday to raise $9,000 in anticipated funeral costs, “to send him home with the grace and honor he truly deserves.” The goal was reached within three hours of its creation.
Fiddler told the News his 2008 album, “Afro Strut,” was inspired by life’s rhythms: its ups, its downs, its steady pulse.
“Everything is based on rhythm, and that’s what it’s about,” he said.
