Renowned R&B singer and actress Angie Stone has tragically passed away at the age of 63. The Grammy-nominated artist died in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama, following a performance in the city.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s illustrious career began in the late 1970s as a member of the pioneering female hip-hop trio, The Sequence. The group gained acclaim with their hit “Funk You Up.” Transitioning to R&B, Stone was part of the trio Vertical Hold before embarking on a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond, released in 1999, featured the hit single “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” She achieved further success with songs like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” from her 2001 album Mahogany Soul.
Throughout her career, Stone released ten solo albums, with her latest, Love Language, debuting in 2023. She earned three Grammy nominations and contributed significantly to the neo-soul movement of the early 2000s. Beyond music, Stone showcased her versatility as an actress, appearing in films such as “The Hot Chick” and “Ride Along,” as well as on Broadway.
Stone was also known for her collaborations, notably contributing to D’Angelo’s first two albums. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond Stone, and son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II, the latter from her relationship with D’Angelo.
Her daughter, Diamond, confirmed the news of her mother’s passing on social media, expressing profound grief and leading the tributes to the iconic singer.
Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to honor Stone’s legacy, remembering her soulful voice, impactful lyrics, and contributions to music and culture. Her influence on the R&B and neo-soul genres remains indelible, and she will be deeply missed by many.
