In a tragic turn of events, Joseph "Amp" Fiddler, the legendary Detroit musician, singer, and producer, has succumbed to cancer at the age of 65, according to social media posts from Amp Fiddler and his collaborators. The news comes after a crowdfunding campaign last year was initiated to assist with his medical expenses during a prolonged hospital stay.

Born in Detroit, Amp Fiddler's musical journey began at a young age as he honed his piano skills. He furthered his education in music, attending Oakland and Wayne State Universities, as well as studying under the guidance of the esteemed Detroit jazz pianist Harold McKinney. Fiddler's career took off in the early 1980s when he joined the vocal group Enchantment before later joining Parliament-Funkadelic as the keyboardist, replacing Bernie Worrell. He spent several years touring and recording with George Clinton and his band, even residing in Los Angeles alongside them. In 1990, Fiddler made a notable appearance on Prince's track "We Can Funk" from the album Graffiti Bridge.

Fiddler released his debut album, "With Respect," in 1991, together with his brother Thomas Fiddler under the moniker Mr. Fiddler. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various artists, including an appearance on Maxwell's album "Urban Hang Suite." In the late 1990s, Fiddler explored the realms of dance music, expanding his artistic horizons. His subsequent solo records, starting with "Waltz of a Ghettofly" in 2003, showcased his ability to blend funk, soul, and a progressive interest in genres like house and techno.

Apart from his musical contributions, Fiddler was also recognized for his influence in developing Detroit hip-hop and providing guidance to aspiring artists. Through his informal production school, Camp Amp, he mentored numerous talents and played a crucial role in introducing J Dilla to Q-Tip and his trademark sampler, the Akai MPC. Fiddler emphasized the value of collaboration, championing the idea that true magic happens when artists come together rather than working in isolation.

The news of Amp Fiddler's passing has reverberated throughout the music community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from industry icons. Questlove expressed gratitude for Fiddler's mentorship of J Dilla, describing him as the one who mentored them. Gilles Peterson, a prominent DJ and music presenter, hailed Fiddler as "Detroit royalty" and praised his global influence on musicians. Waajeed, a close friend and fellow artist, fondly referred to Fiddler as a friend, brother, confidant, mentor, and architect of music.

As the news of Amp Fiddler's departure broke, his team announced the launch of a memorial fund to cover the expenses associated with his final arrangements. In a statement, they honored Fiddler as a beloved ambassador of funk, soul, and electronic music, an Afro-futurist, and a guiding light who touched the lives of many.

The loss of Amp Fiddler is a profound blow to the music world, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and mentorship that will continue to inspire future generations. The impact of his contributions will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, reminding us of the incredible talent and spirit that he brought to the realm of music.