Tag: D’Angelo

Grammy-winning R&B and soul legend D’Angelo has passed away at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed. In a statement, they described the singer, born Michael Eugene Archer, as leaving behind “a legacy of extraordinarily moving music,” urging fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.” D’Angelo, often hailed as one of the architects of neo-soul, redefined R&B in the 1990s by blending it with jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Over the course of his career, he released three groundbreaking albums and earned four Grammy Awards. His 2000 hit Untitled (How Does It Feel) remains one of the most iconic R&B songs of all time — both for its smooth, sensual sound and its now-legendary single-shot music video that became a cultural phenomenon. “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” his family said in a statement shared with CBS News. Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Doja Cat described him as “a true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come.” Jennifer Hudson wrote, “We lost a true original today. D’Angelo, your voice will live on forever. Rest well, King!!!” Tyler, the Creator also credited him as a major influence, saying, “My musical DNA was shaped by D’Angelo — we are so lucky to have been alive to enjoy his art.” Born in Richmond, Virginia, to a Pentecostal minister, D’Angelo taught himself to play the piano at age three. As a teenager, he performed with several local groups before gaining national attention after winning the Apollo Theater’s amateur night three consecutive weeks, eventually landing a publishing deal with EMI at just 18. He achieved stardom with his 1995 debut album Brown Sugar, which produced the hit single Lady and introduced a new, raw sound that reshaped the R&B landscape. His 2000 follow-up, Voodoo, brought him even greater acclaim and two Grammy Awards. However, fame was followed by personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and a near-fatal car accident in 2005. After years away from the spotlight, D’Angelo made a triumphant return in 2014 with Black Messiah, an album praised for its politically charged lyrics and powerful reflection on race and justice in America. D’Angelo’s artistry and soul influenced a generation of musicians, from contemporary R&B stars to hip-hop creators. His passing marks the loss of one of the genre’s most gifted and fearless voices — but his music and message will continue to inspire for generations to come.