Renowned R&B and soul artist D’Angelo passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 51, following a lengthy and courageous fight against cancer. His family announced the news, expressing profound sadness over the loss of a musician whose work resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement, D’Angelo’s family remarked, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home.” They further urged for privacy during this difficult time while inviting fans to celebrate his musical legacy.
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Music
D’Angelo, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry during the 1990s, with his debut album, Brown Sugar, released in 1995. The album featured the hit single “Lady,” which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintained a presence on the chart for 20 weeks. His sophomore album, Voodoo, launched in 2000, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
The lead single from Voodoo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” not only earned D’Angelo a Grammy for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance but also garnered significant attention for its provocative music video, which featured the artist filmed in a single take. This created a lasting impression on fans and critics alike, solidifying his status as a musical innovator.
In a statement released to NBC News, RCA Records, D’Angelo’s record label, expressed its sorrow at his passing. “He was a peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip hop sensibility,” the label stated. “D’Angelo’s songwriting, musicianship, and unmistakable vocal styling have endured and will continue to inspire generations of artists to come.”
Tributes from the Music Community
Throughout his career, D’Angelo formed significant relationships that influenced his music. Notably, he had a long-term relationship with soul singer Angie Stone, who was a major inspiration behind his debut album. The couple welcomed a son, Michael Archer Jr., known professionally as Swayvo Twain, in 1998. D’Angelo is also the father of two other children: a daughter, Imani Archer, born in 1999, and another son born in 2010.
As fans and fellow musicians mourn his passing, D’Angelo leaves behind a rich legacy of music that has profoundly impacted the R&B genre and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. His contributions to the music industry will be cherished and remembered for years to come.
