Detroit soul legend Amp Fiddler has passed away aged 65

American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan Joseph Anthony "Amp" Fiddler passed away yesterday the 17th December at the age of 65 years.

The Detroit soul legend is best known for his myriad of contributions to the band Enchantment, Parliament and Funkadelic.

The news was shared by the Faith Fanzine on the social media platform X today (December 18) reporting that the artist passed away overnight.

The London based free zine company shared on X: "Faith are saddened to hear that Amp Fiddler has passed away".

Continuing it read: "The king of the new era of Detroit Soul. RIP Our thoughts are with his family friends and all the musicians and producers who knew him".

Faith are saddened to hear that Amp Fiddler has passed away. The king of the new era of Detroit Soul. RIP

Our thoughts are with his family friends and all the musicians and producers who knew him. #ampfiddler pic.twitter.com/NXUGWFCrZs

— Faith Fanzine (@FaithFanzine) December 18, 2023

Amp Fiddler was known for his pioneering work in the funk, soul and dance genres, along with his many collaborations with other artists including Moodymann, Jamiroquai, Prince, George Clinton of Parliament and Funkadelic fame, and  Corinne Bailey Rae.

While a cause of death has not yet been shared, the artist had launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the cost of his health treatment this time last year. The crowdfundraiser has raised over $78,000 over the course of the year.

The Gofundme descriptor of the artist read as: "Detroit's own international ambassador of funk, soul & electronic music, keyboardist, record producer, Afro-futurist, AMP FIDDLER".

“After many months in the hospital, and now at home recuperating from surgery in August, Amp needs our resources to support his continued healing as he journeys back to the stage,” the campaign’s description read.

Fiddler was credited with introducing hip-hop producer J Dilla to the Akai MPC sampling drum machine. His first solo album ‘Waltz of a Ghetto Fly’ came out in 2004, while his most recent LP was ‘Amp Dog Knights’, which was released in 2017.

Among the may who paid tribute to the late DJ was Irish DJ and radio presenter Stevie G, who shared in a post on X that he remembered Amp Fiddler playing the Cork Jazz Festival where he 'rocked' the Cork Opera House.

RIP Amp Fiddler.

Dilla mentor & all round musical legend

I’ll never forget that @corkjazzfest festival date where he rocked @CorkOperaHouse with an amazing band ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NReoANA3Pw

— Stevie G (@StevieGrainger) December 18, 2023