Amp Fiddler passed away at the age of 65
The music world is mourning the loss of Detroit musician Amp Fiddler, who has died at the age of 65. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to funk, soul and electronic music, Fiddler’s impact resonates through decades of collaborations and solo works.
Amp Fiddler’s musical journey has been marked by collaborations with iconic artists such as Moodymann, Jamiroquai, Prince, Theo Parrish, Sly & Robbie, Primal Scream, Was (not Was), George Clinton, and many others. His innovative work in the funk and soul genres elevated him to the status of a musical great.
Despite his musical success, Fiddler has struggled with health issues, leading to a recent fundraising campaign aimed at easing the burden of his medical costs. Detroit venues such as Marble Bar and Spot Lite hosted events in support of Fiddler, featuring a lineup of talented artists including Dez Andrés, Monica Blaire and R&B songwriters Bevlove and Britney Stoney. Last year, the artist underwent surgery and faced a long recovery. The music community rallied behind him, raising $78,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to contribute to his healing and return to the stage.
In the ’70s, Fiddler played a pivotal role in the soul group Enchantment, before joining George Clinton’s Parliament and Funkadelic, where he left an indelible mark on the funk scene for nearly a decade. Reflecting on his time with Clinton, Fiddler shared his admiration, stating, “George is amazing! He is my biggest musical hero.”
As a solo artist, Fiddler signed to Moodymann’s label, Mahogani Music, and released his latest single in June of this year. ‘Come on Over’ was a collaboration with Luke Solomon, the energy of which was still soaring. His musical legacy extended beyond performances; Fiddler founded the music production school Camp Amp in the 1980s, which impacted the lives of local Detroit talent including J Dilla, Waajeed and Andrés.
Amp Fiddler’s influence transcends genres and leaves an indelible mark on the music industry. In a 2017 interview, he mused on his encounter with Moodymann and emphasized the raw, authentic approach to music. Fiddler’s contributions to funk and soul were not just notes on paper, but a reflection of his passion and dedication to the art form.
As news of Amp Fiddler’s passing reverberates through the music community, we remember not only the man but the musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Although Amp Fiddler’s musical journey has reached its final note, his music will echo through the halls of music history, reminding us that true legends never fade.
Photo: Damian Rafferety, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED
