Amp Fiddler

Joseph Anthony "Amp" Fiddler (May 17, 1958 – December 18, 2023)

Early life Fiddler was born in Detroit on May 17, 1958. He began studying music at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, he continued studying music at Wayne County Community College, Oakland Community College, and Oakland University. From there he met and worked with many prominent artists including Prince, Was (Not Was), Moodymann, Carl Craig, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, Fishbone, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Neo-soul artist Maxwell.

Working with his brother, Bubz (bass guitarist, producer and songwriter), Fiddler released the album With Respect in 1991 on Elektra, recording under the name Mr. Fiddler. His debut album as Amp Fiddler, Waltz of a Ghetto Fly, was released on March 9, 2004. His final album, Basementality, was released in 2021. and also to A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip, who introduced the young Dilla into the music industry world.

Personal life, illness, and death Fiddler married Tombi Stewart in 2023. He had a son from a previous relationship.

Following ongoing health issues and recovery from surgery in 2022, a fundraiser was arranged for Fiddler in Detroit on December 10, 2023, to help cover his medical expenses.

Legacy Fiddler's influence on Detroit music continues with Camp Amp. A group led by Tombi Stewart aimed towards fostering musical collaboration and mentorship for upcoming Detroit artists.

On May 16, 2025, Revere street (the street he grew up on) was renamed in his honor to Amp Fiddler Ave.

Discography Albums With Respect (1991) Waltz of a Ghetto Fly (2004) – UK No. 82 Afro Strut (2006) – UK No. 126 Inspiration Information (2008) – with Sly and Robbie Motor City Booty (2016) Kindred Live (2017) – with Will Sessions Amp Dog Knights (2017) The One (2018) – with Will Sessions

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Singles, maxi-singles, and EPs "Basementality" (2002) "Love and War" (2003) "Possibilities" (2003) "I Believe in You" (2003) – UK No. 72 "Dreamin" (2004) – UK No. 71 "Too High" (2004) "If You Can't Get Me Off Your Mind" (2004) "I Believe in You" (2004) "Eye to Eye" (2004) "Right Where You Are" (2006) "Ridin' / Faith" (2006) "Hope / Dope" (2006) "If I Don't" (2007) – featuring Corinne Bailey Rae "Find My Way" (2007) "Stay or Move On" (2008) "Inspiration Information" (2008) – with Sly and Robbie "Blackhouse (Paint the White House Black)" (2008) – with Sly and Robbie "Take It" (2014) – featuring Raphael Saadiq "Basementality 2" (2014) "Bassmentality 3" (2015) "Motor City Booty" (2016) "So Sweet" (2017) "Lost Without You" (2017) – with Will Sessions "Reminiscin'" (2017) – with Will Sessions "Rendezvous" (2017) – with Will Sessions "Keep Coming" (2019)

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