LEGEND LOST

Grammy-Winning R&B Singer D’Angelo Dies Aged 51

Born Michael Eugene Archer, D’Angelo was a luminary of the neo-soul genre.

Legendary R&B singer D’Angelo has died at 51 from pancreatic cancer Tuesday morning. Sources close to his family and former manager Kedar Massenberg told TMZ the singer died after privately battling the disease. Born Michael Eugene Archer in South Richmond, Virginia, the singer amassed four Grammys over the span of his 34-year music career, cementing his legacy as a luminary of the neo-soul genre. In 1995, he released hit debut album Brown Sugar. D’Angelo launched his second album Voodoo in 2000, which included his emblematic single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” Both Voodoo and “Untitled” earned a Grammy for best R&B album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, respectively. Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Angie Stone, and Jay Z. In 2014, he released his third studio album, Black Messiah, which earned critical acclaim. GQ labeled the singer “the next Marvin Gaye” that same year. Tributes have already begun to pour in for the late musician. Rapper Tyler the Creator posted a photo of D’Angelo, leaving the caption blank. DJ Premier wrote on X, “we have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love you KING.” The singer is survived by two sons and a daughter. The mother of his first son was singer Angie Stone who tragically died on March 1 at the age. of 63 in a car accident.