Renowned RandB and neo-soul icon Angie Stone has passed away at the age of 63 following a fatal car accident in Montgomery, Alabama. The beloved singer, known for her deep, soulful voice and timeless hits, left an indelible mark on the music industry.
A Musical Journey That Defined Generations
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone’s career spanned over four decades. She first gained recognition as a member of the pioneering hip-hop group The Sequence, which made history with their 1979 hit “Funk You Up”, one of the first rap songs performed by women to gain mainstream success.
In the 1990s, Stone transitioned into R&B and neo-soul, releasing her debut solo album “Black Diamond” in 1999, which was certified Gold. She continued to rise with albums like “Mahogany Soul” (2001) and “The Art of Love & War” (2007), the latter reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Her unique blend of soul, gospel, and hip-hop influences made her one of the most respected voices in contemporary music.
A Life Dedicated to Art and Influence
Stone’s music, characterized by heartfelt storytelling and rich melodies, inspired a generation of artists, including Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, and Erykah Badu. Her collaborations with icons such as D’Angelo, Prince, and Lenny Kravitz further solidified her status as an industry legend.
Beyond music, she showcased her talent in acting, appearing in films like The Fighting Temptations and television shows such as R&B Divas.
Family and Tributes
Angie Stone is survived by her two children, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer (her son with R&B singer D’Angelo). Her daughter, Diamond, shared a heartfelt message on social media:
"My mommy is gone. My heart is shattered, but her love and music will live forever."
Fans and fellow artists, including Missy Elliott, India.Arie, and Questlove, have taken to social media to mourn her passing, celebrating her legacy and impact on the music industry.
Legacy and Impact
Angie Stone’s voice was more than just music—it was a movement. Her ability to blend old-school soul with contemporary R&B made her a trailblazer, and her songs, such as “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”, and “Brotha”, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Her passing is a profound loss to the music community, but her legacy will continue through the voices of those she inspired.