The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, the legendary Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer-songwriter, who passed away at the age of 51 due to pancreatic cancer. The beloved artist died peacefully Tuesday morning in New York City, confirmed by family sources and his former manager, Kedar Massenberg.
D’Angelo burst onto the scene in 1995 with his critically acclaimed debut album Brown Sugar, quickly establishing himself as a singular talent in the R&B genre. Over his career, he collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights such as Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Q-Tip, solidifying his place in music history.
His accolades include four Grammy Awards—two for Best R&B Album, for Voodoo (2001) and Black Messiah (2016), as well as Best R&B Song for “Really Love” and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the iconic “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The latter track, with its iconic minimalist video featuring D’Angelo against a stark black background, made a lasting cultural impact beyond the music alone.
In recent years, there was hope and excitement around new music from the artist. Last year, fellow musician Raphael Saadiq revealed on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast that D’Angelo was actively working on a new album and was enthusiastic about six new pieces in progress.
D’Angelo leaves behind two sons and a daughter. His eldest son’s mother was singer Angie Stone, who sadly passed away earlier this year in a tragic car accident.
The R&B community and fans worldwide remember D’Angelo not only for his soulful voice and groundbreaking music but also for his profound influence on the genre. His legacy continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.
Rest in peace, D’Angelo.
