Kosmik Outcasts

Joseph Anthony “Amp” Fiddler (May 17, 1958 – December 17, 2023) was a singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. His musical styles included funk, soul, dance, and electronica. He was known for his contributions to the band Enchantment and to George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic (1985-96).

He was born and raised in Detroit. He began studying music at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, he continued his studies in music at Wayne County Community College, Oakland Community College, and Oakland University. He left Oakland University to go on tour full-time with Enchantment.

He worked with George Clinton, Moodymann, Stephanie McKay, Jamiroquai, Prince, Was (Not Was), the Brand New Heavies, Fishbone, Corinne Bailey Rae, and neo-soul artist Maxwell.

Working with his brother, Bubz (bass guitarist, producer, and songwriter), he released the album With Respect in 1990 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.

He received a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2020.

Curtis Lee Mayfield (June 3, 1942 – December 26, 1999) was a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, and one of the most influential musicians behind soul and politically conscious African American music. He first achieved success and recognition with The Impressions during the civil rights movement and worked as a solo artist.

He started his musical career in a gospel choir. As a songwriter, he became noted as one of the first musicians to bring more prevalent themes of social awareness into soul music. He wrote “People Get Ready” for the Impressions, which displayed his more politically charged songwriting. Ranked at #24 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, the song received numerous other awards and was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, as well as being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

He released several albums, including the soundtrack for Super Fly. The soundtrack was noted for its socially conscious themes, addressing issues facing inner-city minorities, including crime, poverty, and drug abuse. The album was ranked at #72 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

July 5, 1852 - At a meeting sponsored by the Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society, in Rochester Hall, Rochester, Frederick Douglass illustrates the full shame of slavery, delivering a speech that aims at the pieties of the nation — the cherished memories of its revolution, its principles of liberty, and its moral and religious foundation. The Fourth of July, a day celebrating freedom, is used by Douglass to remind his audience of liberty’s unfinished business. “What to the American Slave is Your Fourth of July?”:

The late Grammy-winning Jazz musician Roy Hargrove

Today in Hip Hop History:

Grace Slick 🌼